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A    REPORT 


Record  Commissioners 


CITY    OF    BOSTON, 


CONTAINING     THE 


BOSTON  TOWN  RECORDS,  1742  TO   1757. 


BOSTON: 
ROCKWELL    AND    CHURCHILL,    CITY    PRINTERS, 

No.    S  9    ARCH    STREET. 

1885. 


,  k 


4  O 


[Document  170—1885.] 


CITY  OF  Kill  BOSTON. 


A  REPORT 


RECORD  COMMISSIONERS. 


The  present  report,  the  fourteenth  in  number,  is  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  Town  Records,  and  is  continuous  with  the 
Twelfth  Report.  The  entries  cover  the  period  from  March 
14,  1742-3,  through  November  1,  1757,  comprising  the  third 
and  fourth  of  the  manuscript  volumes. 

The  Tenth  Report  is  still  in  the  press,  but  will  appear  in  a 
few  months. 

The  Fifteenth  Report  will  continue  the  Selectmen's  Records, 
and  a  portion  is  already  in  type. 

William   H.  Whitmore, 
William   S.  Appleton, 

Record  Commiss  loners. 

City  Hall,  Boston,  December,  1885. 


BOSTON  TOWN  RECORDS. 


Anno  Domini:  1742-3 

[509.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil 
Hall  on  Monday  the  Fourteenth  Day  of  March,  A.  D.  1742. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Eevd.  Charles  Chauncey  D.  D. 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esqr.  Acquainted  the  Town  that 
this  being  the  first  time  of  Meeting  in  Faneuil  Hall  since  the  Death 
of  Peter  Faneuil  Esqr.  the  Founder  of  the  same,  The  Select  Men 
having  Determined  that  same  proper  Respect  should  be  paid  to  his 
Memory,  had  Appointed  &  Desired  Mr.  John  Lovell  Master  of  the 
South  Grammar  School  to  do  the  same,  And  then  the  said  Mr. 
Lovell  having  taken  the  Moderators  Seat,  which  was  hung  in 
Mourning  Cloth  made  an  handsome  Oration  on  the  Death  of  the 
said  Peter  Faneuil  Esqr..  to  the  great  Acceptance  of  the  Town. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
handy  Vote)  and, 

The  Honb,e.  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

Sundiy  Laws Read. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing 
by  a  very  great  Majorit}',  and  Sworn  into  that  Office  by  the  Honble 
Anthony  Stoddard  Esqr. 

Sundry  Petitions  Read  Vizt. 

Of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Paving  Green  Lane. 

for  a  Bowling  Green  on  Fort  Hill. 
relating  to  Faneuil  Hall  Market 
for  a  Publick  Market  at  the   North  and 
South  ends  of  the  Town. 

Of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Emmes  for  a  Lease  of  Land  at  the  head  of  the 
Town  Dock 

Of  the  Engine  Men  to  be  Excused  from  other  Service  and  to 
have  the  Premium  continued. 

Of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Wardell  relating  to  the  Hay  Market 

Of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook,  to  be  Appointed  Master  of  the  North 
Writing  School. 

Of  Mr.  Zechariah  Hicks,  for  the  same. 

[510.]  Of  Mr.  Samuel  White,  Usher  of  the  North  Grammar 
School,  for  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

Of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall,  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School, 
for  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Rolicrt  Rand  that  as  the  respective  Fines 
and  Forfeitures  arising  to  the  Town  from  those  Persons  who  refuse 
to  Serve  in  the  Offices  to  which  they  are  Chosen,  were  fixed  &  Set  as 


City  Document  Xo.   170. 


be  Apprehends  in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  that  it  would  be  best  for 
the  Town  to  Determine  whether  the  same  Sums  mentioned  in  said 
Laws  shall  be  in  Lawful  Money  or  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor. 

Motions  made  by  the  Select  Men  for  Regulating  Bakers,  Trucks, 
Carting,  "Wood,  Coaches  &c.  Mending  the  Neck  &c. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mi-.  Jeremiah  Belknap  for  keeping  the  Gran- 
ary open  every  Da}*  in  the  Forenoon. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Select  Men. 
The  Votes  being  accordingly    Collected  &  Sorted  it  Appeared 
that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Office  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  Vizt. 

The  Honble.  John  Jeffries  Esqr.  ^| 
Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth 
Jonas  Clarke  Esqr. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  y  Select  Men. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
Capt.  John  Steel 
Adjourned,  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 


Afternoon,  The  Inhabitants  being  Assembled. 

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Rand  in  the  Forenoon  relating  to  Fines 
&c.  now  came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon 

Voted,  That  any  Person  or  Persons  Chosen  to  any  Office  in  the 
Town  for  the  Year  ensuing  who  in  Case  of  refusing  is  Obliged  to 
Pay  any  Fine  or  Penalty  shall  be  Excused  from  Serving  Provided 
he  or  they  shall  Pay  their  respective  Fines  in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  as 
the  Several  Persons  did  who  were  the  last  Year  Elected  and  refused 
to  Serve. 

[511.]  A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  that  the  Thanks 
of  the  Town  be  given  to  Mr.  John  Lovell  for  his  handsome  Per- 
formance in  the  Forenoon  in  Pronouncing  the  Oration  desired  of 
him  by  the  Select  Men  on  Occasion  of  the  Death  of  Peter  Faneuil 
Esqr.  &  that  the  same  be  Entred  on  the  Records  of  the  Town  & 
that  a  Copy  thereof  be  desired  for  the  Press. 

Voted,  To  Choose  Twelve  Constables  distinct  from  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  accordingly 


Mess".  John  Lane  Junr. 

Sworn  " 

Caleb  Joseph  Gray 

Sworn 

Job  Coit 

Sworn 

David  Webb 

Sworn 

Ezekiel  Lewis 

Excused 

Ralph  In  man 
Caleb  Lyman 

Pay 
Pay 

-  Constables. 

John  Bennett 

Pay 

Nathaniel  Thayer 

Pay 

James  Butler 

Pay 

William  Fletcher 

Pay 

John  Thwing 

Excus'd. 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mr.  Caleb  Lyman  Appeared  &  Said 

that  he  was  drawn  at  the 

Boston  Town  Records,  1742-3.  3 

last  Town  Meeting  to  Serve  as  a  Petit  Juror  at  the  Superiour 
Court  of  Judicature  &ca.  now  Sitting  &  Expected  to  Pay 
a  Fine  of  Forty  Shillings  for  not  Serving  there.  &  Prayed  to  be 
Excused  from  Serving  Constable,  The  Question  being  put,  "Whether 
he  should  be  Excused  for  the  Reasons  given,  Voted  in  the  Neg- 
ative. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
for  the  Year  ensuing,  Vizt. 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 

William  Tvler  Esq/. 

John  Hill  Esqr. 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 

Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 

/-.  10   wii-       ta  r  Overseers  of  Poor. 

Cor.  \\  uliam  Downe 

Mr.  Samuel  Hunt 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 

Deacon  John  Phillips 

Mr.  Isaac  Walker 

Mr.  George  Rogers 

[512.]     Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of    a 

County  Treasurer  Tomorrow  at  Eleven  o'Clock,  &  then  lake  into 

Consideration  the  Affairs  of  the  Markets,  and  the  Petition  for  a 

Bowling  Green  on  Fort  Hill. 

The  Petition  of  the  Engine  Men  to  be  Excused  from  Duty  and 

to  have  the  Premium  of  Five  Pounds  Old  Tenor  to  the  Engine  that 

shall  be  first  brought  to  Work  upon  anj'  Building  on  Fire —  Read, 

and 

Voted,  That  the   Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  Provided 

they  carry  with  them  their  Axe  and  Hook  to  the  Fire. 

On  the  Motion   made  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  relating   to  Mr. 

Lovells  Oration 

Voted  Unanimously,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  give  the 

Thanks   of  the   Town   to  the  said  Mr.  Lovell  for  his  handsome 

and    ingenious    Oration   Pronounced    by   him    in    the    Forenoon 

on  Occasion  of  the  Death  of  Peter  Faneuil  Esqr.  and  that  they 

desire  of  him  a  Copy  for  the  Press  the  same  to  be  published  at  the 

Expence  of  the  Town  and  Entred  with  the  Records  thereof. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer  and 

upon  Collecting  and  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that 

The  Honble.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  was   Chosen    by  a  very 

great  Majority. 

Voted,    That   the    Choice   of  a    School   Master   for  the  North 

Writing  School  be  Tomorrow  at  Ten  o'Clock  in  the  Forenoon. 

3Ies*rs.  William  White  Pay  ^ 

Samuel  Phillips  Savage  Pay    | 

Benjamin  Green  Pay    !    Constable8. 

A\  llham  Cowell  Pay    j 

Nathaniel  Richardson        Sworn    | 

Henry  Perkins  Pay  J 

were  Chosen  Constables. 


4  City  Document  No.  170. 

Then  the  Town  Adjourned  to  Nine  o'Clock  Tomorrow  Morning. 
Tuesday,  March  15.  1742.  the  Town  being  Assembled. 
Messrs.  Seth  Coburn  Pay  ^j 

Daniel  Marsh         Fay  | 
Samuel  Eliot         Pay  J>  Constables. 
Kenelm  Winslow  Pay  | 
John  Gutteridge    Pay  J 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

[513.]  According  to  Ihe  Vote  of  Yesterday  the  Town  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Choice  of  a  Schoolmaster  for  the  North  Writing 
School  in  the  room  of  Mr.  John  Procter  who  has  resigned  that 
place  and  upon  Collecting  and  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that 
Mr.  Zechariah  Hicks  was  Chosen  by  a  very  great  Majority. 

According  to  the  Vote  of  Yesterday  the  Town  now  proceeded  to 
the  Choice  of  a  County  Treasurer,  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in 
they  were  Sealed  up  by  Mr.  Constable  Lane,  and  Delivered  to 
him,  to  be  by  him  kept  and  returned  to  the  next  Court  of  Quarter 
Sessions. 

According  to  the  Vote  of  Yesterday  the  Town  now  proceeded  to 
take  into  Consideration  the  Affairs  of  the  Markets,  according  to  the 
Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  And  after  a  long  Debate,  For  the 
better  Regulation  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  It  was 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Shut  up  the  Market 
at  Faneuil  Hall,  Three  Days  in  the  Week,  Vizt.  Mondays,  Wednes- 
days and  Frydays,  and  that  the  same  be  Opened  the  other  Three 
Days,  Vizt.  Tuesdays,  Thursdays  and  Saturdays  until  Twelve 
o'Clock,  and  then  be  Shut  up  and  Continue  so  doing  until  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting,  And  in  the  mean  time  the  Select  Men  are 
desired  to  Consult  what  is  farther  Necessary  to  be  done  for  the 
better  Regulating  of  said  Market  and  make  Report  thereon  at  the 
said  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be 
Allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  Thomas 
Jackson  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Market  in  full  for  his  Service  and  all 
Expences  he  has  been  at  in  Sweeping  the  same  and  Ringing  the 
Bell. 

Mess".  Ephraim  Bound 
John  Welch  Pay 

Gammon  Stevens  Pay 

William  Story  Excus'd 

Neal  McIntire  Sworn 

Jonathan  Bryant  Excus'd  , 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

[514.]  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Petition  of 
Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  the  Opening  the  North  &  South 
Markets  be  refer' d  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Clerk  for  Faneuil  Hall 
Market  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  upon  Collecting  &  Sorting  the 
Votes  it  Appeared  that  Mr.  John  Staniford  was  Chosen  by  a  great 
Majority. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  give  such  Orders  &  Directions  to  the 


>  Constables. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1742-3.  5 

Clerk  of  the  Market  from  time  to  time  for  the  Regluation  thereof 
until  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  as  the}'  shall  think  proper. 

Voted,  That  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  the 
having  a  Bowling  Green  on  Fort  Hill  be  taken  into  Consideration 
at  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment. 

Mess".  Caleb  Ray  Pay         ") 

Joseph  Butler      Sworn 

John  Comrin        Sworn      )•  Constables 

Sampson  Sheafe  Pay 

John  Gould  Excus'd 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

According  to  the  Vote  of  the  Forenoon,  the  Petition  of  Several 
of  the  Inhabitants  for  a  Bowling  Green  on  Fort  Hill  was  taken 
into  Consideration,  and  after  a  Long  Debate  thereon,  A  Question 
was  put,  Whether  any  part  of  Fort  Hill  should  be  Appropriated 
for  a  Bowling  Green  according  to  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  ? 
And  itpass'd  in  the  Affirmative.  But  the  Matter  remaining  doubt- 
ful Seven  of  the  Inhabitants  desired  the  same  may  be  decided  by 
a  Poll,  which  was  accordingly  done  &  thereupon  it  appeared  to 
be  a  Clear  Vote  by  a  great  Majority,  and  then  it  was 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  &  hereby  are  Impowered  to 
Lease  out  unto  such  Persons  &  for  such  term  of  time  and  at  such 
Rent  as  they  shall  think  proper,  such  a  part  of  the  said  Hill  as 
they  think  Necessary  for  a  Bowling  Green  with  this  Restriction 
that  the  same  shall  be  Quitted  by  the  Lessees  &  given  up  to  the 
Town  when  ever  they  require  it. 

[515.]  Voted,  to  Choose  Seven  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, and 

Mess".  Richard  Buckley 

Joshua  Blanchard 

Jacob  Parker 

Daniel  Pecker  y  Assessors. 

Nathaniel  Barker 

William  Fairfield 

Jospeh  Roby 
were  Chosen  accordingly. 

On  a  Motion  made  by  Several  of  the  Inhabitants  relating  to 
David  Webb  who  was  Chose  &  Sworn  in  a  Constable  Yesterday, 
that  he  was  really  unable  to  Attend  the  Duty  of  that  Office  beino- 
in  a  Bad  State  of  Health  &c.  and  he  Appeared  and  prayed  the 
Town  to  Consider  thereof,  &  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted, 
That  he  be  Excused  accordingly,  and  that  another  be  Chosen  in 
his  Room. 

Mess".  William  Simpkins    Pay        ~) 

James  Morris  Sworn    V  Constables 

John  Whittemore     Sworn    ) 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

Adjourned  till  Tomorrow  Morning  Nine  o'Clock. 


G 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Wednesday,  March.  16.  1742.  the  Town  being  Assembled 

Mr.  Joseph  Roby  who  was  Yesterday  Chosen  an  Assessor 
Appeared  and  Prayed  that  the  Town  would  Excuse  him  from 
Serving  in  that  Office,  for  that  his  Business  will  not  Admit  of  it, 
and  he  is  a  Standing  Grand  Juror  for  the  present  Year,  The  Ques- 
tion being  put,  Whether  he  should  be  Excused  ?  And  it  pass'd  in 
the  Affirmative. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  another  Person  to 
Serve  in  that  Office  in  his  room,  and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared  that  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gardner  was  Chosen. 

Mess-.  Jeremiah  Allen     Excus'd  J  Constable9e 
Robert  Breck        Pay         ) 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

[516.]  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  Appeared  &  Moved  that  he  might, 
be  Excused  from  Serving  as  a  Constable,  for  that  he  hath  had  the 
Honour  of  Sitting  in  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives  as 
a  Member  of  said  House,  and  that  it  had  not  been  the  Practice  of 
the  Town  to  Choose  any  such  Person  to  be  a  Constable,  The  Ques- 
tion being  put,  Whether  he  should  be  Excused  for  the  reason 
given,  And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and  he  was  Excused 
accordingly. 

Mr.  John  Wells  was  Chosen  a  Constable  &  Sworn. 

Voted,  That  there  be  Sixteen  Viewers  of  Shingles  &ca.  Chosen, 
and  that  they  be  Chosen  by  a  handy  Vote,  and 

Messr3.  Thomas  Foster  Sworn" 

Capt.  John  Indicott  Sworn 

Edward  Moberly  Sworn 

Edward  Richards  Sworn 

John  Ruddock  Sworn 

William  Paine  Sworn 

Benjamin  Russell  Sworn 

Joseph  White  Sworn 

Matthew  Barnard  Sworn 

Moses  Eayres  Pay 

John  Lewis  Vintenon  Sworn 

James  Barnard  Sworn 

John  Simpson  Sworn 

Samuel  Hood  Sworn 

Moses  Tyler  Sworn 
Samuel  Brown     Engine  Man. 


^Viewers  of  Shingles  &c. 


were  Chosen  accordingly. 

On  a  Motion  made,  It  was  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and 
hereby  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  make  such  Agreements  and 
Allowances  to  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  better  Enabling 
them  to  Discharge  the  Duty  of  their  Office  as  shall  be  thought 
proper  and  Necessary  by  the  said  Select  Men. 

Voted,  That  Twelve  Clerks  of  the  Market  be  Chosen  and 

Mess™.  Ebenezer  Simpson  Sworn") 

Benjamin  Goldthwait      Sworn  V  Clerks  of  the  Market 
Samuel  Jackson  Sworn) 


Bostox  Town  Eecoeds,  1742-3. 


[517.]  John  Mc.Neal 

Samuel  Service  Swor 

Holmes  Simpson  Swor 

Edward  "Winter  Swor 

John  Collson  Swor 

David  Jenkins  Pay 

Benjamin  Babbidge  Swor 

Thomas  Eades  Pa}' 

John  Scolley  Pay 
WTilliam  Pattin 


1 


Y  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


were  accordingly  Chosen. 

Messrs.  Daniel  Coney 
James  Nichols 
were  Chosen  Constables. 


Pay} 


Constables. 


Mess™.  Joseph  Russell  Sworn  "" 

James  Tileston  Sworn 

Hopestill  Foster  Sworn 

William  Bastow  Sworn 
Joshua  Thornton 
Onesiphorus  Tileston  Sworn 

"William  Thwing  Sworn 

John  Adams  Sworn 


J>  Fence  Viewers. 


were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Capt.  Andrew  Sigourney  Pay  \n  . , 

Mr.  Samuel  Gooding,  Cooper  Pay  j  ^onstaDles- 

were  Chosen  Constables. 


Messrs.  Benjamin  Barnard 
John  Helyer 
Harvey  Thomas 
John  Hobbs 
David  Kent 
Samuel  Gooding- 
Thomas  Hake 


1 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn    \-  Cullers  of  Staves 

Sworn 


Sworn  , 


were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  was  Chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and  Flax  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 


[518.]  Mess".  Nathaniel  Hodgdon  Sworn  *) 
Thomas  Inches        Sworn 
John  Allen 

William  Nesbett      Sworn   }  Sealers  of  Leather. 
William  Brown         Sworn 
William  Darrington  Sworn 
John  Lawson 


were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


8  City  Document  No.  170. 

Mess".  John  Holyoke 

John  Col  I  son 

William  Salter 

Ebenezer  Holmes 

Thomas  Boucher 

Joseph  Bradford  c 

n      l     C1  .  >  Scavmgers. 

George  Ibkinner 

Thomas  Fleet 

Richard  Salter 

James  Griffin  (Cordwainer) 

Thomas  Simpkins 

Thomas  Lee 

were  Chosen  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mr.  John  Sowden  was  Chosen  a  Constable.     Sworn. 

Mess".  Richard  Hubbard    Sworn  )  T   „  ,,  y, 

Nathaniel  Gardner  j  ™™™™  aW.  Deer. 

were  Chosen  to  inform  against  &  Prosecute  the  Violaters  of  the 

Act  for  the  better  Preservation  and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this 

Province. 

Mr.  Richard-Carter   Cowell  was  Chosen  Haward  for  the  Year 

ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways. 

Mess".  Harrison  Gray  ^i 

Jacob  Emmons  Sworn       TT 

t        i   w  t,i      o  r  Hogreves. 

Joseph  Webb     Sworn   [        ° 

John  Harris        Sworn  J 

were  Chosen  Hogreves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

A  Question  being  put,  Whether  they  would  Choose  Ty  thing  Men  ? 
And  it  passed  in  the  Negative. 

[519.]  The  Petition  of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall,  Master  of  the 
North  Grammar  School,  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  Read  at 
the  Opening  of  the  Meeting,  now  came  under  Consideration  &  after 
some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  not  at  present  make  any  Addition  to 
his  Salary,  but  in  Consideration  that  the  Necessaiys  of  Life  have 

been  very  Scarce  and  not  Purchased  but  at  a  great  Cost That 

the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be  paid 
out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  White,  Usher  of  the  North  Gram- 
mar School,  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  now  come 
under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be 
Added  to  his  Salary. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Wardell  relating  to  the  Hay 
Market,  now  came  under  Consideration  and  after  a  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  Affairof  Weighing  of  Hay  at  the  said  Market 

be  refer'd  to  the  Select  Men  who  are  hereby  Empowered  to  Agree 
with  the  said  Nathaniel  Wardell  the  Son  or  any  of  his  Relations 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1742-3.  9 

for  Weighing  of  Hay,  provided  he  or  they  give  Sufficient  Security 
to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men  that  the  Duty  of  that  place 
shall  be  well  performed. 

The  Petition  of  a  Number  of  the  Abutters  &  Proprietors  of  Land 
in  Green  Lane,  for  Paving  the  said  Lane,  now  came  under  Consid- 
eration and  after  some  Debate  thereon  

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Prayer  thereof  be  so  far  Granted,  as 
that  the  Town  shall  repay  their  proportionable  part  of  the  Charge 
of  Paving  the  said  Lane  at  the  times  mentioned  in  the  said  Peti- 
tion, Vizt.  One  third  part  thereof  in  the  Year,  1743.  Another 
third  in  1744.  And  the  other  third  part  thereof  in  the  Year,  1745. 
the  same  to  begin  and  extend  from  the  Pavement  before  Doctor 
Bulfinch's  House  to  the  Corner  of  Mr.  Barrett's  Land,  the  same 
to  be  done  by  the  Direction  and  to  the  Approbation  of  the  Select 
Men. 

Adjourned  to  Four  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  the  Inhabitants  being  Assembled. 
Voted,  That  the  Choice  of  Collectors  of  Taxes  be  refer' d  to  the 
next  General  Town  Meeting. 

[520.]  Whereas  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  have  Represented 
to  the  Town  that  there  are  many  Persons  still  in  Arrears  for 
their  Taxes,  Praying  the  Advice  of  the  Town  thereon there- 
upon 

Voted,  That  the  said  Collectors  Exhibit  to  the  Town  at  their 
next  General  Meeting,  a  List  of  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons  as 
have  not  paid  their  Taxes  due  from  them  by  that  time. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 

Schools Read  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  March.  14.  1742. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Annual  Meet- 
ing the  Eighth  of  March  last  past,  Desiring  the  Select  Men  to  Visit 
the  Several  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town,  &  to  desire  such  Gentle- 
men to  Accompany  them  therein  as  they  should  think  proper,  and 
to  Report  thereon. 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  on 
Wednesday  the  Twenty  third  Day  of  June  last,  Accompanied  by 
the  following  Gentlemen,  Vizt. 

His  Excellency  William  Shirley  Esq1". 
The  Hon.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esqr. 
The  Hon.  Nathaniel  Hubbard  Esq'. 
The  Hon.  John  Read  Esqr. 
The  Hon.  Samuel  Waldo  Esqr. 
The  Revd.  Joseph  Sewall  D.D. 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley 
The  Revd.  Mr.  William  Hooper 
Jeremiah  Gridley  Esqr.  and 
Docf.  Thomas  Bulfinch. 
And  found  the  said  Schools  under  good  Regulation,  The  Number 
of  Scholars  in  each  School  were  as  follows,  Vizt.    In  the  South 
Grammar  School  Ninety  four,  In  the  South  Writing  School  Seventy 


10  City  Document  No.  170. 

three,  In  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  Seventy  three,  In  the 
North  Grammar  School  Sixty  five  And  in  the  North  Writing  School 
Two  Hundred  and  Thirtj*. 

John  Jeffries  ~) 

Alexander  Forsyth  !  c  ,     ,  ,T 
John  Steel  J- Select  Men. 

Thomas  Hancock       J 

[521.]  Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the 
Gentlemen  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools 
the  Year  ensuing,  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accom- 
pany them  therein  as  they  shall  think  Convenient  &  that  they 
Report  thereon  : 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  the  Twenty  fourth  Day 
of  May  last,  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  Year 
past,  as  Entree!  in  the  Treasurers  Books,  Read,  Accepted  and 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  (so  far)  accordingly  Discharged. 

The  Select  Mens  Report  on  Mr.  Francis  Willoughbys  Account 
of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  and  as  Entree!  in  his  Book  Read, 
and  Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  accordingly 
that  Mr.  Willoughb}7  be  farther  Accountable  to  the  Town  for  Four- 
teen Hundred  &  Ninety  Nine  Bushels  of  Corn,  Thirty  five  Bushels 
of  Rye,  and  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  &  Thirty  Nine  Pounds,  Five 
Shillings  &  Seven  pence  in  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Old  Tenor,  the 
whole  of  which  Amounts  to  Nine  Hundred  and  Nineteen  Pounds 
Nineteen  Shillings  &  a  penny  Old  Tenor,  which  remains  in  his 
Hands  Exclusive  of  Mr.  Willoughbys  Salary  for  the  year  past, 
Vizt.  One  Hundred  Pounds  Old  Tenor,  which  is  herebj'  also  Al- 
lowed 

Voted,  That  The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esqr. 
Francis  Borland  Esqr. 
Mr.  John  Wheelwright,  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the 
year  ensuing  and  make  Report  as  Usual,  and  that  they  also  Audit 
the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the  Alms- 
house And  also  the  Work  house  and  to  Attend  the  Affairs  at  the 
Usual  place  of  the  Overseers  Meeting,  and  said  Accounts  being 
Audited,  the  Committee  to  make  Report  thereon  at  the  next  Gen- 
eral Town  Meeting,  And  the  Overseers  are  desired  to  lodge  the 
particular  Disbursements  in  reference  to  the  Almshouse,  and  also 
a   Summary  Account   respecting    the   Work   house  in  the   Town 
Clerks  Office. 

The  Petition  of  Nathaniel  Emmes,  Setting  forth  That  the  Vacant 
Peice  of  Ground  at  the  Head  of  Dock  Square  behind  the  [522.] 
Watch  house  is  intirely  Useless  to  the  Town  as  it  now  is  &  little 
better  than  a  Sink  of  Filth  &  Dirt  which  is  very  Offensive  to  the 
Inhabitants  that  live  thereabout,  Proposing  to  the  Town  that  if 
they  would  Lease  out  to  him  for  such  a  term  of  Years  as  shall  be 
thought  proper  that  part  of  the  Head  of  said  Dock  that  belongs  to 
the  Town  at  a  Small  Quit  Rent,  he  at  his  own  Espence  would 
Build  a  Substantial  Hollow  Wharfe  &  a  Small  Shop  or  Shed  thereon 


Boston  Town  Records,  1742-3.  11 

for  Carrying  on  the  Business  of  a  Stone  Cutter  &  at  the  End  of 
said  Lease  deliver  up  the  said  Wharfe  &  Building  to  the  Town  free 

of  all  Charge  &  Expence  for  Erecting  the  same being  Read  and 

after  some  Debate  thereon 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Consider  of  the 
Prayer  thereof  &  Report  what  is  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon 
at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

A  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  Choose  a  Commit- 
tee for  Purchasing  Grain  &c.  by  a  handy  Vote?   It  passed  in  the 

Affirmative and 

Messrs.  Jeremiah  Belknap  ~)    p      tee    „ 

John  Salter,  and  y    TJ      ,  "  .       n     . 

-r\  o  i  t>  ■  a     i.        \    Purchasing  Grain. 

Deacon  Samuel  Bndgeham  )  ° 

were  Chosen  accordingly,  and  they  are  hereby  Impowered  to  give 

All  Needful  Directions  to  the  Master  of  the  Granary  respecting  the 

Quantities  of  Grain  to  be  Sold  and  Setting  the  Price  thereof  from 

time  to  time. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted  That  the  Committee  for  Purchasing 
Grain  be  desired  to  give  Orders  to  the  keeper  of  the  Granary  that 
he  keep  open  the  same  Three  Days  in  a  Week  Vizt.  Mondays 
Wednesda}*s  and  Frydays,  and  that  he  give  his  Attendance  there 
accordingly. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to 
prepare  a  By-Law  for  the  regulating  the  great  Inconveniences  and 
Disorders  that  Attend  the  driving  of  Coaches  Chaises  &c.  on  Lords 
Days,  Also  » 

Voted,  That  the  Representatives  of  this  Town  be  desired  to  get 
a  Law  passed  the  Great  and  General  Court  as  soon  as  majT  be  to 
Impower  the  Select  Men  to  Regulate  Trucks,  Carts  &c.  and 
Setting  the  Prices  for  any  Service  they  may  do. 

[5^3.]  On  a  Motion  made  by  the  Honourable  Thomas 
Cushing  Esqr.  the  Moderator  that  the  Report  of  a  Committee 
Appointed  the  Nineteenth  of  May  last  to  Draw  up  and  Set  forth 
to  the  General  Court  the  distressing  Circumstances  of  the  Town 
and  to  Pray  for  Relief  as  to  their  proportion  of  the  Province  Tax, 
be  Entred  in  the  Towns  Book  of  Records. 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  take  Care  that  the  same  be 
done  accordingly. 

The  Select  Men  having  presented  the  List  of  Jurors  taken  the 
last  Year  for  the  Superiour  and  Inferiour  Courts,  the  same  is  refer'd 
to  the  next  Geueral  Town  Meeting,  the  Town  then  to  Act  upon 
the  same. 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  Raising  Money  be  refer'd  to 
the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  Also 

Voted,  That  the  Several  Motions  made  by  the  Select  Men  at 
the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  relating  to  the  better  Regulation  of 
the  Bakers,  Carting  Wood  and  Mending  the  Neck  be  refer'd  to  the 
next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  Tliat  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  the  Honour- 
able Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  the  Moderator  for  his  great  pains  in 
Regulating  and  giving  Dispatch  to  the  Business  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 


12  City  Document  No.  170. 

Boston  March.  16.  1742. 

The  following  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  the  Nineteenth 
of  May  last,  to  draw  up  and  Set  forth  to  the  General  Court  the 
distressing  Circumstances  of  the  Town  and  to  Pray  for  Relief  as  to 
their  proportion  of  the  Province  Tax,  was  Ordered  to  be  here  Re- 
corded by  Vote  of  the  Town  of  this  Day,     Vizt. 

To  the  Honourable  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  and  other  the  Rep- 
resentatives of  the  Town  of  Boston. 

Gentlemen, 

As  the  Town  of  Boston  lias  Chosen  us  a  Committee  to  Represent 
to  You  the  Distressed  State  thereof  at  [524.]  This  Day  in  Order 
to  be  laid  before  the  General  Court  for  their  Consideration  and  to 
Obtain  a  very  large  Abatement  in  the  Apportioning  of  their  Share 
in  the  Province  Tax  for  the  future,  so  to  Shorten  the  Representation 
We  take  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  Memorial  laid  before  the  General 
Court  Anno  Domini,  1735.  and  shall  only  Observe  upon  the 
Material  Difference  between  the  State  of  the  Town  at  that  time 
Compared  with  this  Day. 

Our  Trade  in  general  at  this  Day  (by  the  best  Light  which  can  be 
had)  is  not  above  One  half  that  it  was  in  1735.  and  so  much  upon 
the  Decline  that  there  is  great  danger  of  its  being  reduced  to  the 
greatest  Extremity  and  Consequently  renders  the  Town  unable  to 
Pay  such  a  very  large  Proportion  of  the  Province  Tax  as  they 
have  Usually  stood  Charged  with  in  time  past. 

Our  Distilling  which  at  that  Day  was  much  upon  the  Decline  is 
much  more  reduced  at  this  Occasioned  by  the  great  Demand  for 
Rum  at  Jamaica  to  Supply  the  Fleet  which  has  Encouraged  the 
Inhabitants  of  that  Island  to  Distill  most  of  their  Molasses  into 
Rum  which  otherwise  would  have  been  brought  hither  as  usual  to 
be  Manufactured,  Also  the  great  Demand  for  Rum  in  Ireland  and 
other  places  in  Europe  has  Encouraged  the  Distilling  in  Our 
Windward  Islands  That  We  have  little  Molasses  from  thence  so 
that  the  Quantity  of  Molasses  Distilled  at  this  Day  does  not  Amount 
to  above  Two  thirds  of  what  there  was  in  1735.  So  that  We  Suffer 
exceedingly  in  that  Branch  of  Trade  Compared  with  time  past. 

Our  Cod  Fisheiy,  the  difference  between  that  Article  as  Com- 
plained of  in  1735.  and  this  Day  Stands  thus  that  altho'  Our  En- 
couragement was  very  small  at  that  Day  Yet  Our  Navigation  and 
Trade  was  kept  up  b}r  Sending  the  Fish  abroad  in  Our  own  Vessells, 
and  Paying  for  Fish  in  the  Course  of  Our  own  Trade  which  We 
are  now  almost  entirely  Stript  of  and  both  Fish  and  Supply  is 
Confined  to  the  Fishing  Towns  who  generally  Send  it  abroad  in 
their  own  Vessells  Especially  Marblehead  Salem  and  Plymouth 
which  has  rendered  them  much  Abler  and  Us  much  less  to  Support 
Our  Usual  proportion  of  the  Province  Tax. 

Our  Trade  to  the  West  Indies,  Compared  with  1735.  has  grown 
so  much  Worse  as  at  this  Day  as  to  be  almost  reduced  to  Nothing 
and  Our  Discouragement  so  great  as  that  We  [525.']  Are  Obliged 
to  la}'  up  Our  Vessells  not  knowing  where  to  Employ  them  to  the 
least  Advantage. 

Our  Trade  to  London  the  Variation  between  1735.  &  this  time 
is  exceedingly  Altered  for  the  worse,  as  a  Town  it  was  then  Al- 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1742-3.  13 

lowed  that  the  greatest  Advantage  this  Town  reaped  from  that 
Trade  was  by  Ship  Building  which  Employed  most  of  Our  Trades- 
men, But  that  is  now  reduced  so  that  whereas  in  1735.  Orders 
might  arrive  for  Building  Forty  Sail  of  Ships,  there  has  been  as 
yet  but  Orders  for  Two,  by  which  meaus  this  most  Advantagious 
Branch  of  Trade  to  Our  Mother  Countrey  being  lessened  to  so  great 
a  degree  must  Necessarily  Oblige  a  great  man}'  of  Our  Useful 
Tradesmen  to  leave  the  Town  as  man}7  have  already  clone,  so  that 
this  Town  will  Suffer  exceedingly  for  want  of  that  Branch  of  Trade 
being  properly  Supported  and  thereby  rendered  much  less  Able  to 
Support  a  large  Tax,  than  from  the  decline  of  all  the  other 
Branches  of  Trade  together  by  reason  that  Branch  Employed  more 
Men  than  all  the  rest. 

The  Charges  of  the  Town  are  exceedingly  increased  upon  Us,  We 
shall  Add  no  more  than  to  Shew  the  Difference  of  Charge  from 

1735.  to  this  time,  The  Charge  1735.  for  the  Poor  was  £2069 

1736  to  1740.  above  £3300 Annually 1740.  the  Charge 

was   £4800.    and  this  Year  its  Apprehended  £5000 will  but 

bearly  Support  the  Charge. 

The  whole  Town  Rate  Stands  thus  for  the  last  Years.     1738. 

£8600. 1739.  £8600.  1740.  £8600.  1741.  £11000. 

1742.  £11000. 

The  Decrease  of  Polls  Stands  thus. 

1738  Polls  Rated  3395. 

1739  .         .       3231. 

1740  .         -       3043. 

1741  .  .       2972. 

So  that  in  Four  Years  the  Decrease  of  Polls  is  423.  almost  One 
Eighth  part  of  the  Number  of  Rated  Inhabitants  And  therefore 
Nothing  can  be  a  greater  proof  of  the  Towns  inability  to  Pa}7  so 
large  a  proportion  of  the  Province  Tax  as  in  times  past  that  Our 
Rateable  Polls  are  Yearly  decreased  and  like  to  be  more  so,  Our 
Trade  very  much  decayed  and  Our  Poor  &  Town  Charge  exceed- 
ingly increased  when  at  the  same  time  it  cannot  be  denyed  But 
that  the  Province  as  such  is  much  increased  [526.]  Settlements 
of  New  Towns  made  &  other  Towns  daily  filled  with  Inhabitants 
and  much  improved  and  great  part  of  Our  Useful  Trade  gone  to 
other  Towns  which  upon  the  whole  renders  them  much  Abler  to 
bear  a  larger  and  this  Town  a  much  smaller  Tax  than  in  time  past. 
Again  the  Excessive  high  price  of  Provisions  for  Two  Years 
past  has  exceedingly  Impoverished  this  Town  whilst  the  Coun- 
trey Towns  in  general  have  raised  their  own  Provisions  and  been 
free  from  sucli  a  Calamity  which  in  the  Winter  Season,  1740. 
very  much  distressed  Our  Inhabitants  &  had  it  not  been  for  the 
extended  Charity  of  Able  &  well  disposed  Persons  amongst  Us 
a  great  many  must  have  Suffered  exceedingly  &  some  did  Notwith- 
standing all  the  Care  to  prevent  it;  All  which  has  reduced  this 
Town  &  increased  the  Countrey  by  Our  paying  a  most  Extravagant 
price  to  them  lor  Wood  and  Provissions  which  We  were  Obliged  to 
Buy  of  the  Neighbouring  Towns,  by  reason  the  Winter  Set  in 
early,  Closed  the  Harbour  with  ice,  and  Shut  out  Our  Wood  and 
Provissions  which  We  were  wont  to  be  Supplyed  with  at  Easy  Rates. 


14  City  Document  No.  170. 

In  the  Town  Moreover  there  is  a  great  many  Polls  which  are  not 
Rated  and  are  Supported  by  Charity  not  included  in  the  Charge  of 
the  Towns  Poor. 

The  Support  of  the  Ministry  is  increased  £4000  a  Year  since 
1735.  for  whereas  it  was  but  £8000,  then,  its  now  £12000. 

Upon  the  whole  its  Apprehended  this   Town  ought  not  at  this 
Day  to  Stand  Charged  with  more  than  One  Tenth  or  at  most  One 
Eighth  part  of  the  Province  Tax. 
We  are 

Gentlemen, 

Your  most  Obedient  humble  Servants. 
Nathl.  Cunningham 
Boston  Dec.  2.  1742.  Thomas  Hutchinson     J-  Committee. 

Jos.  Marion 

[537.]  The  Oration  Pronounced  by  Mr.  John  Lovell  at  the 
Opening  of  the  Meeting,  on  Occasion  of  the  Death  of  Peter 
Faneuil  Esqr.  is  here  Recorded  by  Order  of  the  Town,  and  is  in 
the  Words  following,  Vizt. 

I  Stand  in  this  place,  my  Fellow  Townsmen,  and  my  worthy 
Patrons,  at  the  Call  of  those  to  whom  you  have  committed  the 
Direction  of  your  Publick  Affairs,  to  condole  with  you  for  the  Loss 
of  your  late  generous  Benefactor,  The  Founder  of  this  House. 
Certain  I  am,  there  are  Numbers  in  this  great  Assembly,  who  could 
upon  this  Occasion  have  done  more  Justice  to  his  Memory,  and 
and  have  better  Discharged  the  Office  that  is  enjoin'd  me.  But  the 
Commands  of  those  (for  such  I  must  always  esteem  their  Desires) 
who  have  devolved  this  Charge  upon  me,  and  the  Veneration  I 
have  for  the  Vertues  of  the  Deceas'd,  oblige  me  to  bear  what  little 
Part  I  can,  in  a  grateful  Acknowledgement  of  the  just  Regard  due 
to  the  Memorv  of  a  Man,  whose  Name,  I'm  sure  will  never  be  for- 
gotten among  us. 

How  soon,  alas  !  is  our  Jo}T  for  having  found  such  a  Benefactor, 
chang'd  into  Mourning  for  the  Loss  of  him  !  But  a  few  Months 
are  pass'd,  since  we  were  framing  Votes,  and  consulting  the  best 
Measures  to  express  our  Gratitude  for  his  unexampled  Favours  ; 
and  this  first  Annual  Meeting  within  these  Walls  that  were  rais'd 
by  his  Bounty,  finds  us  Assembled  in  the  deepest  Sorrow  for  his 
Decease. 

Instances  of  Mortality  are  never  more  affecting  than  in  those 
whose  Lives  have  been  Publick  Blessings.  Surely  then  every 
Breast  must  feel  a  more  than  common  Distress,  for  the  Loss  of 
One,  whose  Largeness  of  Heart  equal'd,  great  as  it  was,  his  Power 
to  do  Good.  Honest  Industry  must  mourn,  for  which  the  Exercise 
of  his  Bounty  found  an  almost  constant  Employment :  And  they 
that  know  how  to  Pity  the  Calamities  of  human  Nature  themselves, 
will  mourn  for  him  that  always  reliev'd  them. 

[538.]  So  soon  as  he  arriv'd  to  the  Possession  of  his  large 
and  plentiful  Estate  :  instead  of  fruitlesly  hoarding  up  his  Treas- 
ures, tho'  no  Man  managed  his  Affairs  with  greater  Prudence  and 
Industry  ;  instead  of  wasting  them  in  Luxury,  tho'  Plenty  always 
crown'd  his  Board  ;  instead  of  Neglecting  the  Wants  of  his  Fellow- 


Boston  Town  Kecoeds,  1742-3.  15 

Creatures,  an  unhappy  Circumstance  too  often  attending  the  Pos- 
session of  Riches,  he  made  it  manifest  that  he  understood  the  true 
Improvement  of  Wealth,  and  was  determin'd  to  pursue  it.  It  was 
to  him  the  highest  Enjoyment  of  Riches,  to  relieve  the  Wants  of 
the  Needy,  from  which  he  was  himself  exempted,  to  see  Mankind 
rejoicing  in  the  Fruits  of  his  Bounty,  and  to  feel  that  divine  Sat- 
isfaction which  results  from  Communicating  Happiness  to  others. 
His  Acts  of  Charity'  were  so  Secret  and  unbounded,  that  none  but 
they  who  were  the  Objects  of  it  can  Compute  the  Sums  which  he 
annually  Distributed  among  them.  His  Alms  flow'd  like  a  fruit- 
ful River,  that  diffuses  it's  Streams  thro'  a  whole  Country.  He  fed 
the  Hungry,  and  he  Cloath'd  the  Naked,  he  comforted  the  Father- 
less, and  the  Widows  in  their  Affliction,  and  his  Bounties  visited 
the  Prisoner.  So  that  Almighty  God  in  giving  Riches  to  this 
Man,  seems  to  have  Scattered  Blessings  all  abroad  among  the 
People. 

But  these  private  Charities  were  not  the  011I3''  Effects  of  his  Pub- 
lick  Spirit,  which,  not  contented  with  Distributing  his  Benefactions 
to  private  Families,  extended  them  to  this  whole  Community. 
Let  this  Stately  Edifice  which  bears  his  Name  Witness  for  him, 
what  Sums  he  expended  in  Publick  Munificence,  This  Building 
Erected  by  him  at  an  immense  Charge,  for  the  Convenience  and 
Ornament  of  the  Town,  is  incomparably  the  greatest  Benefaction 
ever  yet  known  to  Our  Western  Shoar.  Yet  this  Effect  of  his 
Bounty,  however  great  is  but  the  first  Fruits  of  his  Generosity  a 
Pledge  of  what  his  Heart,  always  devising  liberal  Things,  would 
have  done  for  us,  had  his  Life  been  Spar'd.  It  is  an  unspeakable 
Loss  to  the  Towu,  that  he  was  taken  away  in  the  midst  of  his 
Days,  and  in  so  Sudden  a  manner,  as  to  prevent  his  making  Pro- 
vission  for  what  his  generous  Heart  might  [529.]  Design.  For  I 
am  well  Assur'd  from  those  who  were  Acquainted  with  his  Purposes, 
that  he  had  man}T  more  Blessings  in  Store  for  us,  had  Heaven  pro- 
long'd  his  Days. 

But  he  is  gone !  The  Town's  Benefactor,  the  Comforter  of  the 
Distress'd,  and  the  poor  Man's  Friend. 

He  is  gone  !  And  all  his  Plans  of  future  Bounties  with  him, 
they  are  Buried  in  the  Grave  together.  He  shall  be  rais'd  to 
Life  again:  And  his  intended  Charities,  tho'  they  are  lost  to  us, 
will  not  be  lost  to  him.  Designs  of  Goodness  and  Mercy,  prevented 
as  these  were,  will  meet  with  the  Reward  of  Actions. 

He  is  gone  !  .  .  .  And  must  such  Men  Die  !  Die  in  the  midst  of 
their  Days  !  Must  the  Protectors  and  Fathers  of  the  Distress'd  be 
taken  away,  while  their  Oppressors  are  continued,  and  increase  in 
Power  !  .  .  .  Great  God  !  How  Unsearchable  are  thy  Ways  !  .  .  . 
We  Confess  Our  Sins,  but  just  and  righteous  art  Thou. 

To  express  your  Gratitude  to  your  generous  Benefactor,  you 
have  pass'd  the  most  honourable  Resolves,  and  to  preserve  his 
Memory,  you  have  call'd  this  House  by  his  Name.  But  in  vain, 
alas,  would  you  perpetuate  his  Memory  by  such  frail  Materials! 
These  Walls,  the  present  Monuments  of  his  Fame,  shall  Moulder 
into  Dust :  These  Foundations,  however  deeply  laid,  shall  be  for- 
gotten.    But  his  Deeds,  his  Charities,  shall  survive  the  Ruins  of 


16  City  Document  No.  170. 

Nature.  And  to  have  reliev'd  the  Miseries  of  the  Distress'd,  to 
have  still'd  the  Cries  of  Orphans,  and  to  have  dry'd  the  Widow's 
Tears,  are  Acts  that  shall  embalm  his  Memory  for  many  Gener- 
ations on  Earth,  and  shall  follow  him  beyond  the  Limits  of  Mor- 
tality, into  those  blissful  Regions  where  endless  Charity  dwells. 

What  now  remains,  but  my  ardent  Wishes  (in  which  I  know  you 
will  all  concur  with  me)  That  this  Hall  ma}'  be  ever  Sacred  to  the 
Interests  of  Truth,  of  Justice,  of  Loyalty,  of  Honour,  of  Liberty. 
May  no  private  Views  nor  party  Broils  ever  enter  within  these 
Walls  ;  but  may  the  same  publick  Spirit  that  glow'd  in  the  Breast 
of  the  generous  Founder,  influence  all  your  Debates,  that  Society 
may  reap  the  Benefit  of  them. 

[530.]  May  Liberty  always  spread  its  joyful  Wings  over  this 
Place  :  Liberty  that  opens  Men's  Hearts  to  Beneficence  and  gives 
the  Relish  to  those  who  enjoy  the  Effects  of  it.  And  may  Loyalty 
to  a  King,  under  whom  we  enjoy  this  Liberty,  ever  remain  our 
Character.  A  Character  always  justly  due  to  this  Land,  and  of 
which  our  Enemies  have  in  vain  Attempted  to  rob  us. 

May  those  who  are  the  Inheriters  of  the  large  Estate  of  our 
Deceased  Benefactor,  inherit  likewise  the  Largeness  of  his  Soul. 
May  the  Widow,  the  Orphan,  and  the  Helpless,  find  in  them  a 
Protector,  a  Father,  &  a  Support.  In  a  Word,  to  Sum  up  all,  May 
Faneuil  live  in  them. 

May  Charity,  that  most  excellent  of  Graces,  that  Beam  from  the 
Breast  of  the  Father  of  Mercies,  which  so  soon  as  ever  it  enters  our 
Bosoms  begins  our  Happiness,  Charity,  the  Joy  of  Men,  of  Angels, 
of  Almighty  God  ;  which  Compleats  the  Felicity  of  Earth  and 
Heaven  :  May  Charity  more  abound  among  us.  May  it  warm  the 
Hearts  of  those  who  are  like  to  Our  departed  Friend  in  their  For- 
tunes, to  resemble  him  too  in  his  Bounties  ;  May  there  be  rais'd  up 
some  new  Benefactors  in  the  room  of  him  we  have  lost,  who  shall, 
if  possible,  rival  Faneuil's  Spirit.  And  mav  there  always  remain 
in  this  Town  the  same  grateful  Sentiments,  the  same  vertuous 
Dispositions,  to  remember  their  Benefactors  with  Honour. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on 
Wednesday  the  Fourth  Day  of  May  Anno  Domini,  1743. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Andrew  Eliot. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esqr.  One  of  the  Select  Men  in 
their  Name  proposed  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to 
the  Choice  of  a  Person  or  Persons  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  them 
in  a  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston 
upon  Wednesday  the  Twenty  fifth  Day  of  May  instant,  And  in 
Order  thereto  to  Consider  and  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen 
to  be  Elected,  accordingly 

[531.]  Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representa- 
tives, and  it  was  declared  that  the  Poll  be  closed  at  Twelve 
o'Clock. 

The  Votes  beins;  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 


Boston  Town  Records,   1743.  17 

be  Four  Hundred  and  Fifty  One,  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen,  Vizt. 

No.  of  Votes. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  dishing  Esqr 438 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 287 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  ......  422 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 309 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  Ended  and  the  same  being 
declared  by  the  Select  Men 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  b}'  a  hancVy 
Vote,  and  the  Hon.  Thomas  dishing  Esqr.  being  Nominated,  the 
Question  was  put,  Whether  they  would  Choose  the  said  Thomas 
Cushing  Esqr.  for  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  And  it  Unani- 
mously passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Sundry  Petitions  and  Reports,  Read,  Vizt. 

Of  Mr.  John  Lovell,  Master  of  the  South  Grammar  School,  for 
an  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

Of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook,  Master  of  the  South  Writing  School,  for 
an  Addition  to  his  Salaiy. 

Of  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson,  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar  School 
for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

Of  Mr.  Benjamin  Church  for  a  Grant  of  Wheelers  Pond. 

Of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes,  for  the  Assessors  to  Sit  on  Abate- 
ments. 

The  Select  mens  Report  about  Faneuil  Hall  Market. on 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Emmes's  Petition  refer'd  to  them  the  last  General 
Town  Meeting. 

A  Motion  made  by  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  that  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  Town  in  May  last  to  Prosecute  such  Persons 
as  have  Incroached  on  the  Towns  Lands,  may  make  some 
Report,  how  far  they  have  proceeded  in  that  Affair. 

A  Motion  made  by  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  on  behalf  of  Mr. 
Peleg  Wiswall,  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School,  that  the 
Town  would  make  an  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

A  Motion  made  by  the  Honble.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  Treas- 
urer of  the  [532.]  Town,  Setting  forth  that  Whereas  many  Per- 
sons, Pay  a  Quit  Rent  to  the  Town  for  Lands  b}r  them  Possessed 
belonging  to  the  Town,  the  Sums  mentioned  in  their  Leases  or 
Agreements  in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  and  many  of  'em  being  of 
an  Ancient  Date  he  Apprehends  the  respective  Sums  by  the 
Assessors  Agreed  to  be  paid  are  now  equal  to  the  same  Sum  in 
Lawful  Money,  Praying  the  Advice  of  the  Town  thereon,  and  that 
he  may  have  Directions  what  he  shall  receive  for  the  future. 

A  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham,  that  a  Plan  be 
taken  of  all  the  Lands  &  Rights  belonging  to  the  Town,  and 
hung  up  in  Faneuil  Hall,  and  that  a  particular  Entry  of  all 
said  Lands  &  Rights  may  be  made  for  the  better  Information 
of  the  Inhabitants. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  One  of  the  Select  Men  Informed 
the  Town  that  the  Select  men  look  upon  themselves  Obliged  at  all 
times  to  Acquaint  the  Town  with  all  their  Affairs  &  he  therefore 
Informed  Ihe  Town  that  the  Select  men  had  received  Information 


18  City  Document  No.  170. 

from  London  that  Mess™.  Abraham  Francis  &  John  Jones  had 
Petitioned  His  Majesty  in  Council  for  another  hearing  of  their 
cause  with  the  Town  by  them  Prosecuted  for  Possession  of  some 
Lands  &  Buildings  on  Dock  Square,  and  that  they  had  Liberty 
granted  them  accordingly,  and  that  the  Select  men  Expected  very 
soon  to  be  Served  with  an  Order  from  His  Majesty  to  make  An- 
swer to  the  same,  but  Supposed  the  Town  would  do  nothing  upon 
this  his  Information. 

Voted,  That  the  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  o' Clock  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Constable  and  upon 
Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  Mr.  Nicholas  Fessenden  was 
Chosen  and  Sworn  accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Lovell  Master  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting,  now  came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate 

thereon It  was  Voted,  That  an  Addition  of  Fifty  Pounds  p 

Annum  in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be  made  to  his  Salar}7  to  Commence 
from  the  next  Quarters  Payment. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson  Usher  of  the  South  Gram- 
mar School,  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  Read  at  the  Opening  of 
the  Meeting,  now  came  under  Consideration  &  after  a  Short  Debate 
thereon . 

[533.]  It  was  Voted,  That  an  Addition  of  Twenty  five 
Pounds  Old  Tenor  be  made  to  his  Salary  to  Commence  from  his 
next  Quarters  Payment. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  Master  of  the  South  Writing 
School,  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting,  now  came  under  Consideration  &  after  a  Short  Debate 
thereon 

It  was  Voted,  That  Mr.  Abia  Holbrooks  Salary  as  Master  of  the 
said  School  be  Two  Hundred  Pounds  Old  Tenor  to  Commence  the 
Twenty  Second  of  March  last  being  the  time  he  was  Inducted  into 
said  School. 

The  Motion  made  by  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  in  the  forenoon, 
for  an  Addition  to  be  made  to  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswalls  Salary  now 
came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon  

It  was  Voted  That  an  Addition  of  Fifty  Pounds  in  Bills  of  the 
Old  Tenor  be  made  to  Mr.  Wiswalls  Salary  to  Commence  from 
his  next  Quarters  Payment. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Benjamin  Church,  praying  the  Town  would 
make  him  a  Grant  of  Wheelers  Pond  &  the  Land  thereto  belonging 
for  reasons  therein  mentioned,  as  read  in  the  forenoon  now  came 
under  Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  The  Question 
was  put,  Whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted?  And  it 
passed  in  the  Negative. 

A  Letter  from  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  to  the  Select  Men  Dated 
London  February.  18.  1742.  informing  them  of  Messrs  Francis  & 
Jones  having  Liberty  of  another  hearing  of  their  causes  with  the 
Town  was  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  &  Fifty  Pounds  Bills  of 


Boston  Town  Records,  1743.  19 

the  Old  Tenor  be  Allowed  and  paid  to  the  Honble.  Joseph  Wads- 
worth  Esqr.  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  for  his  good  Services  as 
Town  Treasurer  the  Year  last  past. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  hath  represented  to  the  Town  that  their 
Tenants  are  veiy  backward  in  Paying  the  respective  Rents  from 
them  due, 

Therefore  Voted,  That  when  any  Person  or  Persons  shall  hire 
any  Lands  Houses  Warehouses  &ca.  belonging  to  the  Town,  shall 
fail  or  Neglect  paying  the  Rent  from  them  respectively  due  within 
Twenty  Dajs  after  the  same  is  become  due,  the  Town  Treasurer 
for  the  time  being  shall  be  and  hereby  is  Obliged  immediately  upon 
the  Expiration  of  the  said  Twenty  Days  to  prosecute  in  the  Law 
all  &  every  such  Person  or  Persons  as  [534.]  Shall  be  in  Arrear 
for  said  Rent,  and  whenever  the  said  Treasurer  shall  fail  herein, 
he  shall  be  Obliged  to  Pay  the  Debt  himself. 

Voted,  a  Grant  of  Twelve  Thousand  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old 
Tenor  be  raised  by  a  Tax,  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town 
of  Boston  for  Relief  of  the  Poor  and  defraying  other  Necessary 
Charges  arising  within  &  for  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  the  Twentieth 
instant,  at  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

May  the  20th.  1743.  The  Town  being  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  List  was  returned  by  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  of  the  Names 
of  Persons  who  are  still  Indebted  for  their  Taxes  &  the  reading 
over  the  same  was  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

The  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  One  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  March  last  to  Audit  the 
Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  the  Accounts 
of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the  Almshouse  &  also  the 
Workhouse,  Informed  the  Town  that  the  said  Committee  had  At- 
tended that  Service  but  had  not  Compleated  the  same  so  as  to  be 
Able  to  make  a  Report  at  this  Meeting thereupon 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be  desired  to  Compleat  the 
Auditing  said  Accounts  and  make  a  Report  at  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting,  Also  Voted  That  the  said  Committee  be  desired  to 
See  that  the  Draughts  made  upon  the  Treasuiy  and  said  Overseers 
be  Agreeable  to  Law  &  the  Votes  and  Orders  of  the  Town. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  relating  to  the  further  Regulation 
of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  was  Read  &  is  in  the  Words  following,  Vizt. 

To  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled,  May.  4th.  1743. 

The  Select  Men  having  been  appointed  by  the  Town  to  Consider 
what  further  Regulations  are  Necessary  for  Faneuil  Hall  Market 

and  having  had  a  Short  time  only  to  Consider  thereof Report, 

That  the}'  are  of  Opinion  it  will  be  Convenient  to  keep  the  Market 
open  till  One  o'Clock  Three  Days  in  the  Week  and  that  during  the 
Summer  .Season  it  continue  open  on  Saturdays  [535.]  In  the 
Afternoon  till  Sunset. 

The  Select  men  further  Report,  That  the  Assessors  under  Colour 
of  the  Province  Law  enabling  the  Several  Towns  to  Tax  all  Per- 


20  City  Document  No.  170. 

sons  who  Trade  &  Traffick  in  any  One  Town  and  are  Inhabitants 
of  another  for  the  Use  of  such  Town  where  they  Trade,  have  Rated 
a  Considerable  Number  of  the  Countrey  People  who  bring  Proviss- 
ions  to  Market,  which  Practice  the  Select  Men  Apprehend  tends 
to  Discourage  People  from  bringing  Provissions  to  Town  and  so 
disserves  the  Town  more  than  the  Rates  they  Pay  can  be  of  Ad- 
vantage And  that  therefore  the  Assessors  be  directed  to  Discon- 
tinue the  said  practice. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted. 

by  John  Jeffries  ") 

Alexk.  Forsyth 
Thomas  Hancock        !  Select 
Thomas    Hutchinson  [Men. 

MlDDLECOTT    COOKE 

John  Steel  J 

Upon  that  part  of  the  Select  Men's  Report  relating  to  the  further 
Regulation  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  same  be  not  Accepted. 

And  after  a  long  Debate  on  the  other  part  of  the  said  Report 
relating  to  the  Assessors  Taxing  the  People  who  bring  Provissions 
to  Market,  a  Motion  was  made  that  the  further  Consideration  of 
this  matter  may  be  refer' d  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  and 
the  Question  being  accordingly  put,  It  passed  in  the  Negative,  & 
then  the  Town  Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  &  hereby  are  di- 
rected to  Reconsider  the  Taxes  they  have  laid  on  such  Persons 
as  bring  Provissions  to  the  Market  in  Order  to  Abate  the  same  and 
that  they  discontinue  the  practice  of  Taxing  them  for  the  future. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  One  of  the  Committee  appointed  the 
Fourteenth  of  May  last  to  Examine  the  Treasurers  Books  and  get 
a  Set  of  New  Books  &  Settle  some  proper  Method  for  the  Treas- 
urer to  State  his  Accot3,  &c.  for  the  future,  Reported,  That  the 
said  Committee  had  Attended  that  Service  and  been  at  Considera- 
ble Trouble  and  Expence  of  time  in  Compleating  the  same  and 
now  produced  the  said  New  Books  &c.  and  that  they  had  Employed 
Mr.  William  Brock  to  Write  &  Assist  in  said  Affair,  praying  the 
Town  would  make  a  [536.]  Reasonable  Allowance  to  the  said 
Mr.  Brock  for  the  same. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  men  be  desired  to  make  such  an  Allow- 
ance to  the  said  Mr.  Brock  for  the  same  as  they  shall  think  just 
and  reasonable. 

The  Petition  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  Praying  the  Assessors 
may  be  Allowed  to  Sit  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of 
October  next,  now  came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  De- 
bate thereon It  was  Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  Allowed  to 

Sit  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  September  next  and  no 
longer. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Collectors  of  the 

Rates  &  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  Votes  being  Collected  it 

Appeared  that  only  two  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  into  that  Office, 

Vizt. 

Messr3.  John  Staniford  &  )  -,  ,,     . 

t       u  uu     e  c  Collectors. 

Jacob  Sheafe         j 


Boston  Town  Records,  1743.  21 

And  then  the  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  another,  and  upon 
Collecting  and  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  Capt.  John 
Goldthwait  was  Chosen  into  that  Office. 

The  Consideration  of  the  Allowance  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes, 
now  came  on,  and  after  a  Short  Debate 

It  was  Voted,  That  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  (Old  Tenor) 
be  and  hereby  is  Allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  Several  Collectors 
of  Taxes  within  this  Town  for  the  Year  ensuing,  Provided  they  Pay 
in  to  the  Town  Treasurer  One  half  part  of  the  Sums  to  be  by  them 
respectively  Collected  within  Six  Months  from  the  time  they  shall 
receive  the  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in 
Six  months  after,  and  in  Case  they  or  either  of  them  shall  fail 
Paying  the  Town  Treasurer  in  the  above  manner  the  said  Col- 
lectors shall  forfeit  the  aforesaid  Allowance  of  Twelve  pence  on 
the  Pound  for  the  Sum  they  were  to  Collect  in  the  said  Six 
Months  wherein  they  so  fail,  Provided  also  that  they  give  Bond  with 
Sufficient  Suretys  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Office  to  the 
Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  One  of  the  Select  men  Acquainted 
the  Town  that  the  Select  men  had  received  further  Information 
from  London  relating  to  the  Petition  of  Mess1'5.  Francis  &  Jones 
[537.]  For  a  Rehearing  of  their  Causes  with  the  Town,  that  the 
Gentleman  who  had  been  so  good  as  to  give  them  this  Information 
out  of  regard  to  the  Town  and  their  Interest  had  been  so  kind  as 
to  Use  his  best  Endeavours  to  Oppose  the  hearing  of  said  Petition 
and  acting  any  thing  thereupon,  that  he  had  undoubtedly  been  at 
some  Expence  in  this  Affair  and  that  the  Select  men  as  they  have  the 
Management  of  the  prudential  Affairs  of  the  Town,  think  it  but  just 
and  Honourable  that  the  said  Gentleman  should  have  a  reasonable 
Allowance  made  for  his  Disbursements  and  Trouble  in  this  Affair, 
to  which  there  was  no  Objection  made. 

Voted,  That  all  the  Motions  made,  and  Matters  remaining  un- 
finished, be  refer'd  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  for 
Consideration. 

Then  the  Meeting:  was  Dismissed. 


[Here  ends  the  book  of  the  Town  Records.  — W.  H.  W.] 


22  City  Document  No.  170. 


[Here  begins  the  4'}1  book  of  the  Town  Eecords.  —  W.H.W.] 

[1.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall, 
on  Friday  the  Eighth  Day  of  July  Anno  Domini,  1743. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
handy  Vote)  and  thereupon  the  Honorable  Thomas  dishing  Esq1, 
was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Stamford  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market 
Praying  that  a  Convenient  Fire  Room  may  be  Assigned  him  in  said 
Market was  Read. 

The  Act  of  the  Great  and  General  Court  passed  at  their  Sessions 
the  Seventeenth  Day  of  June  last,  Impowering  the  Town  of  Boston 
to  Impose  and  Collect  a  Tax  or  Duty  on  Coaches  Chaises  &c.  for 
the  Use  and  Service  of  the  said  Town  now  came  under  Considera- 
tion pursuant  to  the  Directions  of  said  Act,  and  after  long  Debates 
upon  the  same,  A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded,  that  the  Con- 
sideration of  Imposing  the  said  Tax  pursuant  to  said  Act,  ma}'  be 
referred  to  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  March  next,  And  the 
Question  was  accordingly  put,  Whether  the  same  be  refer'd?  And 
it  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  Mr.  John  Stanifords  Petition  for  a 
Fire  Room  in  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  be  referred  to  the  Select  men 
to  Act  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

Voted,  That  all  the  other  Matters  and  things  referred  over  from 
former  Meetings  to  this  time  be  further  Continued  to  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting  for  Consideration. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[2.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  Lawfully  Warned  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  Fifth  Day  of 
August,  Anno  Domini,  1743. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reyd.  Joseph  Sewall  D.D. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  was  Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
handy  Vote)  and  thereupon  Thomas  Gushing  Esq1',  was  Unani- 
mously Chosen. 

The  Selectmen  Communicated  to  the  Town  the  Copy  of  the  Order 
that  had  been  Served  upon  them  the  28th.  of  July  last,  of  His  Maj- 
esty in  Council  bearing  Date  at  the  Council  Chamber  at  AVhitehall 
the  27th.  of  April  last,  granting  a  hearing  upon  the  Appeal  of 
Abraham  Francis  and  others  in  the  late  Causes  between  them  and 
the  Town  in  November  next,  And  the  same  being  Read  and  long 
Debates  had  thereupon,  A  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town 
would  now  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  to  Consider  what 
is  best  and  most  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  in  this  Affair?  And 
it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and  that  the  said  Committee  Consist 
of  Seven  Gentlemen and  thereupon 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1743.  23 

Voted,  That  Samuel  Welles  ") 

Edward  Hutchinson   | 
James  Allen  y  Esq". 

Thomas  dishing  & 
John  Read 

Capt.  Nath1.  Cunningham  & 
Mr.  Charles  Apthorp 
be  the  said  Committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  they  are 
desired  to  Report  hereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  it  was  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Friday 
the  Nineteenth  instant,  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Friday  the  Nineteenth  Day  of  August,  3  o'Clock  in  the  After- 
noon.    The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Fifth  instant,  to  Consider  what  is 
bast  and  most  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  on  the  Order  of  His 
[3.]  Majesty  in  Council  granting  a  hearing  upon  the  Appeal  of 
Abraham  Francis  and  others  in  the  late  Causes  between  them  and 
the  Town  in  November  next,  Read  a  Report  they  had  drawn  up, 
and  after  long  Debates  thereupon,  It  was  Voted,  That  the  same 
Committee  be  desired  more  particularly  and  Specially  to  draw  up 
Arguments  on  the  Several  heads  &  things  mentioned  in  their 
Report,  and  Enlarge  thereupon  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  think 
proper  and  Report  hereon  at  the  Adjournment  of   this  Meetino- 

Then 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  Twelfth 
Day  of  September  next  at  Ten  o'Clock  in  the  Forenoon. 

Monday,  the  Twelfth  Day  of  September,  10  o'Clock  in  the  Fore- 
noon.    The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  after  a  Considerable  Debate,  Whether  the  Town  would  now 
proceed  to  determine  what  they  shall  do  relating  to  the  Causes 
between  the  Town  and  Mr.  Everills  Heirs  or  that  the  same  be 
referred  to  a  further  Adjournment. 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  the 
next  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting ■ Also 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Order  &  Direct  the 
Several  Constables  of  the  Town  to  Notify  the  Inhabitants  that  the 
said  Affair  with  Mr.  Everills  Heirs  is  then  to  be  taken  into  Con- 
sideration &  determined  upon  how  the  Town  will  Act  in  the  same, 
and  that  every  Inhabitant  of  the  Town  be  desired  to  give  his 
Attendance,  and  the  Committee  are  desired  then  to  make  their 
Report then 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  next  at 
Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Thursday,  the  Fifteenth  Day  of  September,  3  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  after  very  long  Debates  had  upon  the  Affair  of  Francis  & 
Jones's  Petition  to  His  Majesty  in  Council  relating  to  their  Causes 
with  the  Town,  A  Question  was  put,  If  the  Town  would  now  deter- 
mine Whether  they  will  proceed  to  a  tryal  of  the  Merits  of  the  said 
Causes  with  Francis  &  Jones  before  His  Majesty  in  Council?  And 


24  City  Document  No.  170. 

it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  And  that  it  be  determined  by  a  handy 
Vote,  And  accordingly  upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  the 
following  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Towns  Agent  be  In- 
structed to  insist  by  his  Council  learned  in  the  Law  on  the  pleas 
[4.]  Against  His  Majesty  in  Council  his  taking  Cognizance  of 
Messrs.  Abraham  Francis  John  Jones  &  Hannah  his  Wife  their 
Claim  against  the  Town  and  thereon  finally  Rest. 

And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative.     Then 

Voted  That  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  and  the  other  Gentlemen  of 
the  Towns  Committee  in  this  Affair  now  Subsisting  be  &  hereby 
are  desired  and  Impowered  to  prepare  as  Speedily  as  may  be  full 
and  Ample  Instructions  for  the  Agent  that  shall  be  hose  by  the 
Town  for  his  Direction  &  proceedings  in  this  Affair  and  Report 
the  same  to  the  Town  for  their  Acceptance  as  soon  as  may  be 
Then 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  an  Agent 
or  Agents  to  Appear  for  them  in  this  Affair  before  His  Majesty 
in  Council,  Tomorrow  at  Five  o' Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  and  also 
that  the  Town  shall  then  take  into  Consideration  what  Sums  of 
Money  it  will  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  Raise  in  this  Affair. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tomorrow  at  Five 
o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Friday,  the  Sixteenth  Day  of  September,  5  o'Clock  in  the  After- 
noon, The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  according  to  the  Vote  of  Yesterday,  the  Town  having 
Voted  that  they'l  Choose  but  One  Agent  to  Appear  for  them 
before  His  Majesty  in  Council  on  the  Affair  of  Messrs.  Francis  & 
Jones's  Petition  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Person  for  that  pur- 
pose &  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes  and  upon  Sorting  the 
same  it  Appeared  that  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  was  Chosen  by  a 
very  great  Majority. 

Mr.  Peter  Luce  of  Boston  Merchant  after  the  Choice  made  a 
Motion  that  some  Papers  he  had  received  from  S*  Christophers 
relating  to  Mr.  Kilby  might  be  Read  and  being  Seconded,  A 
Question  was  put,  Whether  the  said  Papers  should  be  Read,  And 
it  passed  in  the  Negative. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  what  Sum 
of  Money  it  will  be  proper  for  the  Town  for  the  Town  to  raise  in 
Order  to  Enable  Mr.  Agent  Kilby  to  pursue  this  Affair  &  after 
some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Three  Hun- 
dred Pounds  Sterling  Money  of  Great  Britain  be  &  hereby  is 
granted  in  Order  to  Enable  the  Towns  Agent  to  prosecute  the 
Affair. Afterwards 

A  Motion  was  made  &  Seconded  by  Several  that  the  said  [5.] 
Vote  granting  Three  Hundred  Pounds  Sterling  might  be  Recon- 
sidered ;  And  the  Question  being  put,  Whether  the  Town  would 
Reconsider  the  same,  It  was  Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  and  Im- 
powered to  borrow  the  said  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  Pounds  Sterling 
as  the  same  shall  be  found  Necessary  &  Remit  it  to  Mr.  Agent 
Kilby  as  soon  as  may  be. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1743.  25 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  &  hereby  are  desired  to  Writ  to 
Mr.  Agent  Kilby  by  the  first  Ship  to  Inform  him  what  Votes  the 
Town  have  passed  &  how  far  they  have  proceeded  in  this  Affair 
&  therein  Let  him  know  that  in  Case  the  Papers  and  Instructions 
of  the  Town  should  not  Arrive  to  him  by  the  Day  of  hearing  he 
is  desired  to  pray  for  further  time  till  he  receives  them  and 
Strongly  Urge  and  Insist  that  the  Town  have  not  as  yet 
Appeared  before  His  Majesty  in  Council  in  this  Affair,  but  that  he 
daily  Expects  a  proper  Power  from  the  Town  fully  Authorizing 
and  Impowering  him  to  Appear  and  pursue  the  same. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  at 
Four  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 


Wednesday,  the  Twenty  first  Day  of  September,  4  o'Clock  in 
the  Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  Several,  A  Question 
was  put,  Whether  this  Meeting  shall  be  further  Adjourned  in  Order 
to  receive  the  Report  of  the  Towns  Committee  relating  to  the 
Affair  of  Francis  &  Jones  and  the  Instructions  they  have  prepared 
for  Mr.  Agent  Kilby  concerning  the  same,  And  it  passed  in  the 
Affirmative then  it  was 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Tomorrow,  Three 
o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  and  the  Selectmen  are  desired  to  direct 
&  Order  that  the  Several  Bells  Usually  rung  for  the  Town  Meet- 
ings be  rung  Tomorrow  at  Two  and  Three  o'Clock,  and  that  the 
Selectmen  put  an  Advertisement  into  the  Morrows  News  Paper  to 
inform  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  this  Adjournment. 

Thursday,  the  Twenty  Second  Day  of  September,  3  o'Clock  in 
the  Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  Several  that  the  Votes 
already  passed  by  the  Town  relating  to  the  Petition  of  Francis  & 
Jones  [6.]  Might  be  read,  and  no  Objection  made  thereto,  the 
same  were  Read  accordingly. 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  and  other  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Towns  Com- 
mittee now  Subsisting  appointed  to  Consider  what  is  best  &  most 
proper  for  the  Town  to  do  on  the  Petition  of  Francis  and  Jones, 
presented  their  Report  &  the  Instructions  they  had  drawn  up  for 
the  direction  of  the  Agent  &  the  same  were  Read.    And  then 

A  Motion  was  made  &  Seconded  by  many  Members  that  some 
Person  might  be  joined  with  Mr.  Agent  Kiiby  to  Appear  for  the 
Town  before  his  Majesty  in  Council  in  the  Affair  of  Francis  & 
Jones's  Petition  to  His  Majesty,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon, 
A  Question  was  put  Whether  the  Town  will  Reconsider  the  Vote 
they  passed  determining  that  they  would  Chose  but  One  Agent, 
And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative.  And  then  a  further  Question 
was  put  Whether  the  Town  will  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  some 
other  Person  to  be  joined  in  the  Agency  with  Mr.  Kilby  to  Appear 
before  His  Majesty  in  Council  in  the  Affair  of  Francis  &  Jones's 
Petition  to  His  Majesty,  And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative.  And 
the  Town   then   proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  accordingly  and 


26  City  Document  No.   170. 

upon  Sorting  the  same  it  Appeared  that  Eliakim  Palmer  Esqr.  was 
Chosen  b3'  a  very  great  Majority. 

Voted,  That  Christopher  Kilby  &  Eliakim  Palmer  Esqr.  be  and 
hereby  are  fully  Authorized  and  Impowered  Jointly  and  Severally 
to  Appear  for  the  Town  by  their  Council  learned  in  the  Law  before 
His  Majesty  in  Council  in  the  Affair  of  Messra.  Abraham  Francis 
John  Jones  &  Hannah  his  Wife's  Petition  to  His  Majesty  in 
Council  for  a  hearing  of  their  late  Causes  with  the  Town. 

A  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  Several  Members  that  the 
Vote  passed  by  the  Town  the  15th.  instant  Vizt.  that  the  Towns 
Agent  be  Instructed  to  Insist  by  his  Council  learned  in  the  Law  on 
the  pleas  against  His  Majesty  in  Council  his  taking  Cognizance  of 
Messrs.  Abraham  Francis  John  Jones  &  Hannah  his  Wife  their 
Claim  against  the  Town  and  thereon  finally  Rest,  may  be  Recon- 
sidered, and  after  very  long  Debates  thereon. 

It  was  Voted  in  the  Negative. 

[1.]  Voted,  That  the  Committee  be  desired  to  Compleat  the 
Needful  Instructions  for  the  Agents  in  this  Affair  and  Commit 
them  to  the  Selectmen  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Agents  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

Voted,  That  the  Fee  to  be  given  to  the  Council  for  the  Town  in 
London  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Agents. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Twelfth 
Day  of  March,  A.D.  1743. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Thomas  Prince. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  it  Appeared  that 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr.  was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  Unanimously  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  and  sworn  into  that  Office  by  Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 

Sundry  Petitions Read,     Vizt. 

of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  a  Way  from  Sudbury  Street. 

for  Paving  Winter  Street. 

for  an  Engine  at  the  South  End. 

for  a  Publick  Market  at  the  North  End. 

of  John  Swinnerton  to  keep  a  School  for  Reading  &  Spelling. 

of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  forlnlargement  of  his  Salary. 

of  Mr.  John  Procter  Junr.  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

of  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  keeper  of  the  Granary  for  Addi- 
tion to  his  Salary. 

of  Sundry  Bell-ringers  for  a  further  Allowance  for  ringing  the 
Bells. 

of  the  Engine  Men  to  be  Excused  from  other  Service,  and  to 
have  the  Premium  Continued. 

[8.]  of  Mr.  Moses  Deshon  that  the  Town  would  Accept  of  the 
Arms  of  Peter  Faneuil  Esq1',  and  make  him  an  Allowance  for  them. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1743.  27 

The  General  Courts  Grant  of  Six  Hundred  &  Sixty  Six  Pounds. 
Thirteen    Shillings  &  four   pence   for  Fortifications Read. 

The  Eeport  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Prosecute  En- 
croachers  on  the  South  Battery  Lands Read. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Schools 
Read. 

A  Motion  made  by  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  to  Consider  of  an 
Application  to  be  made  to  the  General  Court  that  the  Selectmen 
may  be  Vested  with  power  more  Effectually  to  put  the  By-Laws  of 
the  Town  in  Execution. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  that  the  Rails  in  the 
Common  be  Continued  as  far  on  Beacon  Street  as  shall  be  thought 
Necessary  to  preserve  the  Herbage  on  the  Common,  and  kept  in 
repair  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town. 

A  Motion  made  Whether  the  Fines  arising  on  a  Persons 
refusing  to  Serve  in  any  Office  to  which  he  is  Chosen  shall  be 
paid  in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  or  the  same  Sum  in  Lawful  Money 
that  is  mentioned  in  the  Law. 

A  Motion  made  by  the  Town  Treasurer  that  the  Town  would 
determine  Whether  the  Quit  Rents  due  to  the  Town  shall  be  Dis- 
charged by  receiving^such  a  Sum  in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  as  is 
mentioned  in  the  Agreement. 

A  Motion  made  by  Deacon  Jonathan  Williams  that  the  Moder- 
ators Seat  may  be  removed  into  the  Middle  of  Faneuil  Hall. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Robert  Rand  that  some  more  Effectual 
Method  may  be  taken  to  prevent  the  firing  of  Chimneys. 

A  Motion  made  by  CoP.  Benjamin  Pollard  that  the  Town 
would  take  Effectual  Method  to  prevent  the  Destruction  &  Loss 
of  Fire  Buckets,  after  Fires  are  Extinguished. 

A  Motion  made  Whether  the  respective  Fines  &  Forfeitures 
arising  to  the  Town  from  those  Persons  who  refuse  to  Serve  in 
the  Offices  to  which  they  are  Chosen  &  fixed  &  Set  in  Bills  of  the 
Old  Tenor  are  to  be  now  paid  the  same  Sums  in  Old  Tenor  Bills 
or  Lawful  Money. 

[9.]     Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen. 

A  Doubt  arising  Whether  by  Law  the  Selectmen  &  other  Officers 
Chose  at  the  Annual  Town  Meeting  in  March,  must  have  a  Major 
part  of  the  Votes  brought  in  for  such  Choice,  or  Whether  the 
Persons  who  have  the  greatest  Number  of  Votes  are  not  legally 
Chosen,  The  Law  of  the  Province  relating  to  the  Choice  of  Town 
Officers  &c.  was  Read,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was 
determined  by  a  Vote  that  the  Town  Apprehends  the  true  Sense 
&  meaning  of  said  Law  to  be,  that  every  Person  Voted  for  to  any 
Office  must  have  a  Major  part  of  the  Votes  brought  in,  &  that 
otherwise  he  is  not  legally  Chosen. 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  Appeared  that  Five 
Selectmen  only  were  Chosen,  Vizt. 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth  ") 

Jonas  Clarke  Esqr. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock        J-  Selectmen. 

Capt.  John  Steel 

Mr.  William  Salter 


28 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth  One  of  the  Selectmen  informed  the 
Town  that  he  had  (Served  in  that  Office  for  about  Ten  Years  past 
and  was  Obliged  to  the  Town  for  the  Eespect  shewn  him  in  Con- 
tinuing him  so  long  in  said  Office  &  prayed  the  Town  would  Excuse 

him  from  serving  any  longer Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the 

Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to  Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth  for  his 
great  Care  &  Assistance  in  Transacting  the  Affairs  of  the  Town  as 
One  of  the  Selectmen  for  Ten  Years  past.  &  that  he  be  Excused 
accordingly. 

The  Town  then  Adjourned  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  the 
Choice  of  Three  Selectmen,  and  they  being  accordingly  brought 
in  &  Sorted,  it  Appeared  that  only  One  Selectman  was  Chosen, 
Vizt. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Two  Selectmen  & 
having  brought  in  their  Votes  and  Sorted  'em,  One  Selectman 
only  was  Chosen.  Vizt. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to    bring  in    their    Votes   for   One 
more   [10.]   Selectman  and  upon  Sorting  them  it  Appeared  that 
Mr.  Midcllecott  Cooke,  was  Chosen. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  many  Members, 

It  was  Unanimously  Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be 
and  hereby  is  given  to  the  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esqr.  for  the 
great  &  faithful  Services  by  him  done  for  the  Town  in  Transacting 
and  Managing  the  Affairs  thereof  as  One  of  the  Selectmen  for 
Twelve  Years  past. 

The  Motion  made  in  the  Forenoon  relating  to  Fines  &c.  now 
came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  That  auy  Person  or  Persons  Chosen  to  any  Office  in  the 
Town  for  the  Year  ensuing  who  in  Case  of  refusal  is  Obliged  to 
pay  any  Fine  or  Penalty  shall  be  Excused  from  Serving  in  such 
Office  provided  he  or  they  shall  Pay  their  respective  Fines  in  Bills 
of  the  Old  Tenor  as  the  Several  Persons  did  who  were  the  last 
Year  elected  and  refused  to  Serve. 

Voted,  To  Choose  Twelve  Constables  distinct  from  Collectors  of" 
Taxes,    accordingly 


Messrs.  Nathaniel  Allen  Pay 

Joseph  How  Pay 

Stephen  Apthorp  Sworn 

John  Dennie  Junr.  Pay 

Stephen  Hall  Pay 

James  Perkins  Pay 

Josiah  Fessenden  Sworn 

Thomas  Speakman  Sworn 

John  Rowe  Pay 

Lemuel  Gowen  Pay 

George  Bethune  Excus'd 

Isaac  Savage  Sworn 
were  Chosen  Constables. 


>   Constables. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1743-4. 


29 


Voted   That  the   Town   proceed   to   the   Choice   of   a   County 
Treasurer  Tomorrow  at  Twelve  o'Clock. 

Then  the  Town  Adjourned  till  Tomorrow  Nine  o'Clock  A.M. 


Tuesday  March.  13.  1743. 
The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 
The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  [11.] 
Six  Constables,    accordingly 

Pay 

Pay 

1740 

Pay 

Pay 

Excused 


Messr 


1 


y    Constables. 


J 


Samuel  Gardner 
Joseph  Grant  Junr. 
James  Monk  pd.  in 
Josiah  Quinc}7 
Joseph  Ballard 
Jonathan  Tilden 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Col0.  Jacob  "Wendell  that  the  Town 
would  immediately  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer 
which  was  accordingly  Voted,  and  the  Inhabitants  directed  to 
bring  in  their  Votes,  which  being  Collected  &  Sorted  it  Appeared 
that 

The  Honble.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  was  Chosen  by  a  great 
Majority  &  was  accordingly  Sworn  in  to  said  Office  by  the  Honble. 
Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
for  the  Year  ensuing,    Vizt. 

The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr 
William  Tyler  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Col0.  William  Downe 
Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
Capt.  John  Phillips 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
George  Rogers  Esqr. 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mess".  Jonathan  Simpson  Junr. 
Ezekiel  Lewis  Junr. 
Samuel  Sewall 
John  Gore 
Albert  Dennie 
John  Ridgaway 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Collectors 
of   the   Rates  and  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing  [12.]  And  upon 
bringing  in  the  Votes  &  Sorting  them  it  Appeared  that, 
Capt.  John  Goldthwait     ~\ 

Mr.  John  Staniford,  and    V  Collectors  of  Taxes. 
Mr.  Jacob  Sheafe  ) 

were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes  accordingly. 


Y      Overseers  of  the  Poor. 


J 
Pay 
Pay 
Pay 
Pay 
Pay 
Sworn 


1 

i 

y    Constables. 


J 


30  City  Document  No.  170. 

Mess™.  Samuel  Gerrish    Pay   ~) 

William  Codner    Pay    >■     Constables. 
Samuel  Service     Pay    ) 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer  which  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up 
by  Constable  Savage  by  him  to  be  kept  &  returned  to  the  next 
Quarter  Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Voted,  That  the  Several  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  this  Town 
bring  in  Lists  of  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons  as  have  not  paid 
in  their  Taxes  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Town,  Adjourned  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Petition  of  the  Engine  Men  praying  they  may  be  Excused 
from  Duty  &  have  the  Premium  of  Five  Pounds  Old  Tenor 
Allowed  to  the  Engine  that  shall  be  first  brought  to  Work  upon 
any  Building  on  Fire  may  be  still  Continued,  Read  &  Voted  That 
the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted,  provided  they  Carry  their 
Axe  &  Hook  with  them  to  the  Fire. 

Also  Voted  That  all  such  Persons  as  now  do  or  hereafter  shall 
belong  to  any  of  the  Fire  Engines  in  this  Town  be  &  hereby 
are  Freed  and  Exempted  from  all  such  Dutys  and  Service  (during 
such  time  as  they  shall  belong  to  any  Engine)  as  the  Town  hath 
Excused  them  from  for  Several  Years,  &  that  the  Premium  of 
Five  Pounds  Old  Tenor  be  Allowed  to  the  first  Engine  that  shall 
be  brought  to  &  Work  on  any  Building  on  Fire,  provided  they 
carry  their  Axe  &  Hook  with  them  to  the  Fire. 

This  Order  to  Continue  &  be  in  force  until  the  Town  shall  See 
fit  to  Alter  or  Disannul  the  same. 

[13.]         Messvs.  James  Tileston        Pay         ") 
Samuel  Adams       Pay 
Benjamin  Harrod   Excus'd  I     Constables 
James  Alexander   Pay  f 

Daniel  Williams     Pay 
Richard  Atkins       Sworn      J 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mess™.  Onesiphorus  Tileston   Pay  ") 

Michael  Homer  Sworn 

T  ,     -rn-.i,.  o  r    Constables. 

John  Williams  Sworn 


Joseph  Grouard  Excused 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mess™.  William  Baker     Pay 

Samuel  Emmes  Sworn 

Thomas  Coverly  ray  | 

Richard  Hughes   refuses,  Appeal  to  the  Sessions  J 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

An  Act  or  Law  of  this  Province  made  and  passed  at  the  Session 
of  the  Great  and  General  Court  in  May  last  Entitled  An  Act  for 
Impowering  the  Town  of  Boston  to  Impose  &  Collect  a  Tax  or 
Duty  on  Coaches  Chaises  &c.  for  the   Use  and   Service  of   said 


Boston  Toavn  Eecords,  1743-4.  31 

Town,  refer'd  over  to  this  time  for  Consideration,  now  came  under 
Debate  and  after  a  long  time  Spent  thereon  A  Question  was  put 
Whether  the   Town  will   now    Dismiss   this   Affair   without    any 

further  Consideration 

It  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 


The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  the  Opening 
of  the  North  Market  as  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  now 
came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was 
Moved  that  the  same  may  be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town 
Meeting  for  Consideration,  And  a  Question  being  put  Whether  the 

same  be  refer'd  accordingly It  passed  in  the  Negative 

And  then  a  further  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Selectmen  be 
desired  to  take  down  the  Building  formerly  Improved  for  the  North 
Market  &  dispose  of  it  in  such  a  manner  as  shall  be  most  for  the 
Advantage  of  the  Town?   And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

[14.]  The  Motion  made  by  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq1',  at  the 
Opening  of  the  Meeting  that  the  Town  would  Consider  of  an 
Application  to  be  made  to  the  General  Court  that  the  Selectmen 
may  be  Vested  with  power  more  Effectually  to  put  the  By  Laws 
of  the  Town  in  Execution,  now  came  under  Consideration  &  after 

some  Debate  thereon It  was  Moved  &  Voted  That  the  same 

be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  and  that  in  the  mean 
time  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  Law  for  the 
purposes  aforesaid  and  present  the  same  at  said  Meeting  for  the 
Consideration  of  the  Town. 

The  Motion  made  by  the  Town  Treasurer  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting  concerning  his  receiving  of  the  Quit  Rents  due  to  the 
Town,  now  came  under  Consideration And  it  was 

Voted  That  the  same  be  refer'd  to  the  General  Town  Meeting  in 
March  next. 

The  Selectmen*  Report  on  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  s  Account  of 

the  Granary  for  the  Year  past  &  as  Entred  in  his  Book Read 

and  Voted  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted  and  accordingly  that 
he  be  farther  Accountable  for  Three  Hundred  &  Thirty  Bushels  of 
Corn  &  Thirty  three  Bushels  of  Rye  and  the  Sum  of  Six  Hundred 
&  Twenty  One  Pounds  Nineteen  Shillings  &  three  pence  in  Bills 
of  Credit  of  the  Old  Tenor  which  remains  in  his  hands  Exclusive 
of  Mr.  Willoughbys  Salary  for  the  Year  past,  Vizt.  One  Hundred 
Pounds  Old  Tenor  which  is  hereby  also  Allowed. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  keeper  of  the  Granary 
Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting,  Praying  an  Allowance  may 
be  made  him  for  his  Extraordinary  Attendance  of  One  Day  in  a 
Week  at  the  Granary  pursuant'  to  the  Towns  Vote,  now  came 
under  Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 

Voted  That  tiie  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Old  Tenor  be  Allowed  to 
Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  for  his  Extraordinary  Attendance  the 
Year  past.  Also  Voted  That  for  the  future  the  Granary  be 
Opened  only  on  Tuesdays  &  Fridays  and  that  he  then  give  his 
Attendance  accordingly. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  Fourteenth  Day  of 
May  A.D.  1742.  to  Prosecute  Encroachers  on  the  South  Battery 
Lands,  made  Report,  which  was  Read  &  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 


32  City  Document  No.   170. 

[15.],  The  Report,  of  the  Committee  appointed  by  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Adjournment  on  the  Fourteenth 
Day  of  May  1742.  to  End  the  Controversy  between  the  Town  and 
such  Persons  as  they  should  find  had  Incroached  or  Trespassed  on 
any  of  the  Lands  or  Flatts  where  the  Guns  were  formerly  Mounted, 
at  the  South  Battery,  having  Attended  that  Service  do  Report  as 
follows Vizt. 

The  said  Committee  having  found  by  many  Evidences  that  the 
Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  doth  Improve  about  One  Hundred  & 
Fift}7  feet  of  the  Ground  where  the  Line  of  Guns  was  formerly 
Mounted,  and  has  Erected  or  Built  a  Wharfe  and  Warehouses  on 
said  Ground  and  Flatts  before  it,  and  now  Claims  the  same,  as 
his  own  property,  In  Order  to  Recover  the  same  for  the  Use  of 
the  Town,  to  be  Improved  as  formerly  the  said  Committee  did 
Advise  with  Gentlemen  learned  in  the  Law  who  assured  them  that 
as  the  King  had  for  many  Years  Improved  that  same  Land  and 
Flatts  for  a  Fortification,  and  had  never  Released  it  or  given  it  up 
that  the  said  Committee  could  do  nothing  on  the  part  of  the  King, 
by  way  of  Reference  or  Accommodation  with  the  said  Jacob  Wendell 
Esqr.  for  that  the  King  referr'd  none  of  his  Affairs,  but  that  His 
Majesty's  Title,  must  be  Tryed  in  the  Law,  before  any  thing  could 
be  done  on  the  part  of  the  Town,  the  said  Committee  therefore 
Employed  John  Overing  and  Jeremy  Gridley  Esqrs.  for  their 
Council  who  filed  an  information  or  Complaint  against  the  said 
Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  at  the  Superiour  Court  of  Judicature,  Court 
of  Assize  &c.  held  at  Boston  in  February.  1742.  for  not  removing 
those  Incumbrances  from  off  said  Battery  Ground,  which  Com- 
plaint was  Continued  to  the  Superiour  Court  in  August  following, 
when  a  Tryal  was  had  on  the  Information  aforesaid,  before  a  Jury 
of  Non  Residents  who  went  and  Viewed  the  Premisses,  and  altho' 
there  was  a  Cloud  of  Evidence  to  prove  the  Facts,  And  the  said 
Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  Acknowledged  before  the  Jury,  that  he  had 
Built  upon  part  of  the  Towns  Ground  and  Flatts,  Yet  the  said 
Jury  brought  in  their  Verdict  that  he  was  not  Guilty,  and  accord- 
ingly the  said  Complaint  was  Dismissed  by  the  Court  on  the  part 
of  the  King,  which  made  many  People  think  that  it  went  at  the 
same  time  also  against  the  Town,  and  that  the  Committee  ought 
not  to  proceed  any  further  in  this  Affair,  but  the  Committee 
knowing  that  the  Way  [16.]  Was  now  Clear  for  coming  to  an 
Accommodation  with  the  said  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  in  the  behalf  of 
the  Towns  Right  to  the  aforesaid  Land,  They  did  desire  by  their 
Chairman  that  he  would  give  them  a  Meeting  in  Order  to  Referr 
or  Accommodate  the  Dispute  between  him  and  the  Town,  but  he 
utterly  refuses  to  Transact  any  Affair  with  this  Committee  (for 
reasons  best  known  to  himself)  The  Committee  therefore  Seeing  no 
Prospect  of  Settling  the  Towns  Rights,  with  said  Jacob  Wendell 
Esqr.  without  going  further  into  the  Law,  which  they  are  unwilling 
to  do,  without  the  Towns  Especial  Order,  They  therefore  think  it 
proper  to  Acquaint  the  Town  that  they  have  proceeded  thus 
far  and  Submit  it  to  the  Inhabitants  for  their  further  Considera- 
tion. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1743-4.  33 

Boston  March  10th.  1743.  John  Steel         ^ 

Shem  Drown e    [•  Committee. 
Jona.  Williams  ) 

And  after  a  long  Debate  had  upon  the  said  Report, 

It  was  Moved  and  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  &  hereby  are 
desired  to  Conferr  with  the  said  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  in  Order  to 
come  to  an  Accommodation  relating  to  the  Lands  in  Dispute 
between  him  and  the  Town  at  the  South  Battery  and  Report  of 
their  Doings  herein  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Whereas  Messrs.  John  Goldthwait  John  Staniford  &  Jacob 
Sheafe  Collectors  of  the  Publick  Taxes  in  this  Town  are  Indebted 
Considerable  Sums  of  Money  to  the  Province  Treasurer  for  Taxes 
due  to  the  said  Treasurer  from  this  Town  &  Committed  to  them 
to  Collect  from  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town Therefore 

Voted  That  the  said  Collectors  be  &  hereby  are  Obliged  to 
make  up  &  Compleat  the  Payment  of  all  such  Sums  as  are  now 
due  from  them  or  either  of  them  to  the  Province  Treasurer  in  Six 
Months  time  from  this  Day,  And  in  Case  either  of  the  said  Col- 
lectors shall  fail  Paying  iuto  the  Province  Treasurer  by  that  time, 
the  whole  Sum  he  is  now  Indebted  to  him,  such  Collector  so  failing 
shall  not  be  Entitled  to  any  part  of  the  Allowance  that  may  be 
Voted  him  for  Collecting  such  part  of  the  Taxes  of  the  Town  for 
the  Year.  1743.  as  shall  be  Committed  to  him  to  Collect. 

Then  the  Consideration  of  the  Allowance  of  the  Collectors  of 
Taxes  came  on  and  after  a  Short  Debate. 

[17.]  It  was  Voted,  That  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  be  & 
hereby  is  Allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  Several  Collectors  of  Taxes 
within  this  Town  for  the  Year  ensuing,  they  paying  into  the  Town 
Treasurer  One  half  part  of  the  Sums  to  be  by  them  respectively 
Collected  within  Six  Months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the 
Books  from  the  Assessors,  &  the  other  half  part  in  Six  Months 
after,  and  also  make  up  &  Compleat  the  Payment  of  the  whole 
Sum  due  to  the  Province  Treasurer  (Saving  One  Thousand  Pounds 
Old  Tenor  in  the  whole,  to  be  Accounted  in  proportion  to  the  Sums 
they  are  to  receive)  in  Twelve  Months  time  from  their  receiving 
the  said  Books  from  the  Assessors,  And  in  Case  either  of  them 
shall  fail  paying  the  Province  aud  Town  Treasurer  in  the  above 
manner  the  Collector  so  failing  shall  Forfeit  the  aforesaid  Allow- 
ance of  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  for  the  Sum  he  was  to  Collect 
and  Pay  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  Provided  also  that  the  said  Col- 
lectors give  Bond  with  Sufficient  Suretys  for  the  faithful  Discharge 
of  their  Office  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen. 

Also  Voted,  That  the  said  Collectors  &  each  of  them  return  to 
the  Annual  Town  Meeting  in  March  next,  a  List  of  the  Names  of 
all  such  Persons  as  may  not  then  have  paid  their  Taxes. 

Then  the  Town  Adjourned  till  Tomorrow  at  Nine  o'Clock  A.M. 

Wednesday  March.  14th.  1743. 
The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 
Schools Read,  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 


34  City  Document  No.   170. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  March  12.  1743. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Annual  Meet- 
ing the  Fourteenth  of  March  last  past  Desiring  the  Selectmen  to 
Visit  the  Several  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town  &  to  Desire  such 
Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  therein  as  they  should  think  proper 

and   to   Report   thereon We   the    Subscribers    accordingly 

Attended  that  Service  on  Wednesday  the  Twenty  Second  Day  of 
June  last,  Accompanied  by  the  following  Gentlemen,  Vizt. 
The  Hon.  John  Read  Esqr. 
The  Hon.  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr. 
[18.]     The  Hon.  Nathaniel  Hubbard  Esq1. 
TheRevd.  Charles  Chauncy  D.D. 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Andrew  Eliot 
Daniel  Henchman  Esq1. 
Mr.  Timothy  Prout 
Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
James  Bowdoin  Esqr. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esqr.  and 
Henry  Frankland  Esq1-, 
and  found  the  said  Schools  under  good  Regulation,  The  Number 
of  Scholars  in  each  School  were  as  follows,  Vizt.    In  the  South 
Grammar  School  about  Ninety,  In  the  South  Writing  School  One 
Hundred  &  Sixty,  In  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  about 
Seventy,   In  the  North  Grammar  School  Sixty  five,  And  in  the 
North  Writing  School  upwards  of  Two  Hundred. 

John  Jeffries 
Alexk.  Foksyth 
Jonas  Clarke 

Thos.  Hutchinson     J-  Selectmen 
Thomas  Hancock 
Middlecott  Cooke 
John  Steel 

Voted  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  &  that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing,  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein  as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  Report  thereon 

MessTS.  Thomas  Sherbnrn  Sworn      )    n^n  <-„-ui™ 

t,.  ,      ,  rT        .  ^  ,  >    Constables. 

Richard  Humphreys       Excused  j 

were  Chosen  Constables 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  Wait  upon  His  Excellency  the  Cap- 
tain General  to  desire  of  him  that  he  will  be  pleased  to  give  Orders 
to  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Troop  of  Guards  to  Return  into 
the  Secretarys  Office  a  List  of  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons  as 
belong  to  said  Troop  and  do  Duty  therein  that  so  the  Town  may 
know  what  Persons  are  Exempted  from  Serving  in  the  respective 
Offices  to  which  they  are  Chosen. 

Mr.  George  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Constable.     Sworn. 

[19.]  On  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  that  some  Suitable 
time  may  be  Allowed  the  Assessors  to  Sit  upon  Abatements 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1743-4. 


35 


It  was  Voted,  That  the  said  Assessors  be  Allowed  to  Sit  upon 
Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  September  next,  and  no  longer. 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  Mr.  John  Staniford's  Allow- 
ance for  Officiating  as  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  past  be 
refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 


Messr 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

Sworn 
Sworn 


Joseph  Russell 

James  Tileston 

Francis  War  dell 

Hopestill  Foster 

Caleb  Ray 

Thomas  Foster 

William  Bearsto 

Joshua  Thornton 

William  Thwing 

Stephen  Willis 

John  Adams 

Samuel  Sprague 
were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Benjamin  Renken 

John  Ruddock 

William  Young  (Retailer) 

Thomas  Lee 

Nathaniel  Barber 

Joseph  Goldthwait 

Nathaniel  Gardner 

Joseph  Jackson  (Hatter) 

Nathaniel  Thayer 

Ellis  Wilson 

Edward  Winter 

Bartholomew  Che  ever 

John  Taylor 
were  Chosen  Scavingers  for  the  Ye<ar  ensuing- 
Mess".  Joseph  Bradford  Sworn 

Thomas  Newman         Sworn 


Fence  Viewers. 


)■     Scavingers. 


1 


)■    Hogreves. 


Edward  Jennings  Sworn 

Phillips  Chamberlain    Sworn    J 
were  Chosen  Hogreves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
[20.]     Mess".  William  Nesbitt         Pay 

William  Browne        Excused 

Samuel  May  Sworn 

Josiah  Carter 

Nathaniel  Hodgdon  Sworn 

Robert  Williams 

John  Allen  Sworn 


Sealers  of 
Leather. 


J 


were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Richard  Buckley      Sworn    ') 

Peter  Thomas 

Joshua  Blanchard     Sworn     | 

Jacob  Parker  Sworn     ^    Assessors. 

Daniel  Pecker  Sworn 

Nathaniel  Barber      Sworn 

William  Fairfield      Sworn 
were  Chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


36  City  Document  No.  170. 

Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  was  Chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and  Flax  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Gardner      Sworn   j    Informer8  M  Deer> 
Richard  Hubbard         Sworn  j 
were  Chosen  to  inform  against  &  prosecute  the  Violaters  of  the 
Act  for  the  better  Preservation  and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this 
Province. 

Mr.  Richard  Carter-Cowell  was  Chosen  Haward  for  the  Year 
ensuing Sworn 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 

A  Motion  was  made,  Whether  the  Town  will  Choose  Tything 
Men,  but  nothing  clone  in  the  Affair. 

On  a  Motion  made  that  the  Town  would  now  proceed  to  Choose 
the  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing,  it  was 
Voted  and  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes 
accordingly,  And  upon  Collecting  &  Sorting  the  same  it  Appeared 
that  Mr.  John  Staniford  was  Chosen  to  that  Office. 

The  Petition  of  the  Abutters  and  Proprietors  of  Land  in  Winter 
Street,  Setting  forth,  That  the  Town  at  their  Meeting  the  Thir- 
teenth of  March.  1731.  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  take  Care  that 
the  Towns  part  of  the  said  Street  be  repaired  at  the  Cost  and 
Charge  of  [21.]  The  Town,  the  Several  Abutters  paying 
their  proportionable  part  as  is  Customary,  That  the  Abutters  on 
the  said  Street  could  not  then  Accomplish  the  Paving  thereof 
by  reason  the  Hon.  Adam  Winthrop  Esqr.  Deced  who  was  an 
Abutter  upon  near  One  quarter  part  of  the  said  Street  would 
Subscribe  thereto,  but  now  Mr.  Thomas  Oxnard  who  hath 
Purchased  Col0.  Winthrops  Estate  there,  and  all  the  Abutters  are 
ready  to  pay  their  proportionable  part  of  the  Charge  of  Paving 
the  said  Street  provided  the  Town  will  pay  their  part  thereof  The 
Petitioners  therefore  Prayed  the  Town  would  Revive  their  said 
Vote  &  Engage  to  Pay  the  Towns  part  of  Paving  the  said  Street, 
upon  the  Abutters  paying  their  proportionable  part  thereof  as  is 

Customary now  came  under  Consideration  And  after  some 

Debate  thereon 

It  was  Voted  That  the  same  be  refer'd  to  the  Selectmen  who 
are  hereby  desired  to  View  the  said  Street  and  Report  the  Cir- 
cumstances thereof  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Memorial  of  Moses  Deshon  read  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting,  Setting  forth,  That  he  by  the  Encouragement  of  Several 
Gentlemen  about  Fourteen  Months  since  began  to  Cut  the  Arms 
of  their  Late  Generous  Benefactor  Peter  Faneuil  Esqr.  and  soon 
after  his  Death  the  same  was  Compleatly  Finished  &  Gilt,  And 
the  Memorialist  Waited  on  the  Selectmen  to  know  if  they  would 
Accept  of  the  same  to  be  fixed  in  Faneuil  Hall  at  the  Expenee  of 
the  Town,  but  they  Apprehended  it  was  a  Matter  they  could  not 
do  without  the  Consent  of  the  Town,  The  Memorialist  therefore 
informed  that  he  was  at  a  Considerable  Expenee  of  Time  and 
Money  to  Cut  &  Gild  the  said  Arms,  and  as  the  Fixing  of  it  in 
Faneuil  Hall  will  not  only  be  a  great  Ornament  to  the  Room  but  a 
means  of  Perpetuating  the  Memory  of  the  Worthy  &  Generous 
Donor The  Memorialist  therefore  prayed  the  Town  to  Accept 


Boston   Town  Records,  1743-4.  37 

of  the  same  &  Order  it  to  be  placed  in  such  part  of  the  Hall  as 
they  shall  think  proper,  makiDg  him  such  an  Allowance  for  the 

same  as  shall  by  the  Town  be  thought  reasonable was  now 

taken  into  Consideration and 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Purchase  the  said  Arms 
of  the  said  Mr.  Deshon  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  on  such  Terms 
as  shall  be  thought  reasonable  &  Fix  them  up  in  Faneuil  Hall  in 
such  part  thereof  as  they  shall  think  most  proper. 

On  the  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  One  of  the 
Selectmen  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meeting  that  the  Eails  in  the 
Common  be  [22.]  Continued  as  far  on  Beacon  Street  as  shall 
be  thought  Necessary  to  preserve  the  Herbage  in  the  Common  & 
kept  in  repair  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  now  came  under  Con- 
sideration   ■ 

And  after  a  short  Debate,  It  was  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be 
desired  to  Continue  a  Post  and  Rail  Fence  extending  from  the 
Alms  House  'Westward  so  far  as  they  shall  think  proper  for  the 
Preservation  of  the  Herbage  &c.  in  the  Common,  and  Repair  the 
same  from  time  to  time  as  shall  be  thought  Necessary. 

The  Petition  of  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  Read 
at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting.  Setting  forth,  That  inasmuch  as 
the  Petitioners  the  better  to  Commode  the  Town  and  render 
the  more  Easy  carriage  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life  did  some  time 
since  lay  out  a  Peice  of  Land  of  Twenty  feet  Wide  from  Sudbury 
Street  running  on  a  Line  along  by  the  Mill  Pond  to  Capt.  Wells's 
Sugarhouse  and  from  thence  to  Hawkins's  Street  so  Called  which 
has  been  and  still  is  of  great  Advantage  &  Benefit  to  the  Town  & 
as  the  same  is  Convenient  &  fit  to  make  a  Publick  Street  off,  they 
prayed  the  Town  would  be  pleased  to  Accept  of  the  said  Peice  of 
Land  for  a  Publick  Street  and  give  it  the  Name  of  Still   house 

Square The  said  Petition  was  now  taken  into  Consideration 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

It  was  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  View  the  Land 
Petitioned  for  to  be  a  Highway  &  Report  the  Circumstances 
thereof  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  And  also  make  an 
Estimate  of  the  Costs  that  may  Accrue  to  the  Town  in  repairing 
it  if  they  Accept  of  the  same  as  a  Highway. 

The  Petition  of  Isaac  Peirce.  Thomas  Williston.  Nathaniel  Band, 
Joseph  Simpson  &  John  Roulstone  Sextons  &  Bellringers  in  the 
Town  as  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting,  Setting  forth  That 
the  Petitioner  Peirce  Rings  the  Bell  of  the  Old  North  Church  at 
the  Hours  of  One  o'Clock  at  Noon,  Nine  in  the  Evening  &  Five  in 
the  Morning,  for  which  he  is  Allowed  by  the  Town  Four  Pounds 
Ten  Shillings  Old  Tenor  for  a  Quarter  of  a  Year,  The  Petitioner 
Band  Rings  the  Bell  of  the  New  South  Church  at  the  Hours  of 
Nine  in  the  Evening  &  Five  in  the  Morning  for  which  he  is  Al- 
lowed Fifty  Shillings  Old  Tenor  a  Quarter,  The  Petitioner  Simp- 
son Rings  the  Bell  of  the  Revd.  Mr.  Byles's  Church  at  the  Hours  of 
Nine  in  the  Evening,  Five  in  the  Morning  &  One  o'Clock  at  Noon, 
for  which  he  is  Allowed  Three  Pounds  Fifteen  Shillings  Old  Tenor 
a  [23.]  Quarter,  That  the  Petitioner  Roulstone  Rings  the  Bell  of 
the  Old  South  Church  at   One    o'Clock  for  which  he  is  Allowed 


38  City  Document  No.  170. 

• 

Thirty  Shillings  Old  Tenor  a  Quarter,  That  the  Petitioner  Willis- 
ton  Rings  the  Bell  of  the  Old  Brick  Church  at  the  Hours  of  Five 
in  the  Morning,  Eleven  in  the  Forenoon  and  Nine  in  the  Evening, 
for  which  he  is  Allowed  Four  Pounds  Ten  Shillings  Old  Tenor  a 
Quarter,  That  the  Petitioners  would  Represent  to  the  Town  that 
the  aforesaid  Allowance  for  the  Service  aforesaid  is  so  very  small, 
being  but  about  Three  pence  Old  Tenor  for  each  Ringing,  that  the 
Petitioners  Apprehend  they  are  not  by  any  means  Recompenced 
for  their  Time  &  Service  and  as  the  Petitioners  Allowance  is  no 
greater  now  than  has  been  for  about  Thirty  Years  past  and  Pro- 
visions &  all  Necessarys  of  Life  more  than  twice  as  Dear  as  they 
wex-e  Thirty  Years  since,  they  Apprehended  the  Town  would  think 

it  reasonable  to  Increase  their   Allowance They    therefore 

Prayed  the  Town  to  take  the  Premisses  into  Consideration  and 
make  them  such  further  Allowance  for  the  aforesaid  Services  as 

shall  be  thought  reasonable which  Petition  was  Read  again  & 

after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Consider  thereof,  as 

also  what  further  Regulation  is  proper  to  be  made  as 

to  the  Ringing  of  the  Bells,  and  of  the  Allowance  to  be  made  to 
the  Sextons  for  the  same. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded,  That  the  Town  would  Con- 
sider of  some  Effectual  means  to  prevent  Frauds  in  the  Measure 
of  Cord  wood. 

Voted  That  there  be  a  Committee  Chosen  specially  to  Consider 
this  Motion,  and  that  the  said  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons 


Voted  That  Mess".  John  Darrell  "| 

John  Ruddock  j 

Robert  Rand  y  Committee. 

Joseph  Bradford  &   j 
Jacob  Parker  J 

be  a  Committee  for  that  End,  who  are  desired  to  make  Report 
herein  at  the  nest  General  Town  Meeting. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Robert  Rand  at  the  Opening  of 
the  Meeting,  that  some  more  Effectual  Method  may  be  taken  by 

the  Town  to  prevent  the  frequent  Firing  of  Chimneys 

[24.]  Voted,  That  the  Committee  already  Chosen  to  Consider 
of  some  Effectual  means  to  prevent  Frauds  in  the  Measure  of 
Cordwood,  be  also  a  Committee  to  Consider  what  Method  the 
Town  shall  take  to  prevent  the  frequent  Firing  of  Chimneys  and 
Report  hereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  Twenty 
Second  Instant,  at  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Thursday  March.  22a.  1743. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
Sent  Word  that  he  could  not  Attend  the  Business  of  this  Meeting 
this  Afternoon  being  Obliged  to  Attend  the  Honourable  House  of 

Representatives Whereupon  the  Town  proceeded  to  Choose 

a  Moderator  in  his  room And  the  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson 


Boston   Town  Records,   1743-4.  39 

Esqr.  being  Nominated  he  was  accordingly  Chosen  as  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting. 

Mr.  Benjamin  White  was  Chosen  Constable.     Sworn. 

The  Selectmen  informed  the  Town  that  the  Lease  of  the  South 
Market  hired  of  Mr.  Willis  will  Expire  the  Twenty  fifth  instant, 
desiring  the  Directions  of  the  Town  relating  to  the  Disposal  of  the 
Buildings  on  it,  after  some  Debate  thereon,  the  Town  Apprehend 
that  as  the  prudential  Affairs  of  the  Town  are  Committed  to  the 
Care  and  Management  of  the  Selectmen  they  will  do  herein  what 
will  be  most  for  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  either  by  removing 
the  Buildings  that  are  upon  the  said  Leased  Land  or  Disposing  of 
the  same  as  they  now  Stand. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabi- 
tants for  the  Paving  of  Winter  Street,  Read  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  by  Adjournment,  March.  22d.  1743. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  the  12th.  instant  desiring  the 
Selectmen  to  View  Winter  Street  Petitioned  for  by  a  Number  of 
Proprietors  &  Abutters  to  be  Paved  &c.  and  Report  thereon. 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  and  are 
of  Opinion  that  it  is  Necessary  the  said  Street  should  be  Paved  and 
the  Town  pay  their  Part  there  of  according  to  Custom  [25.]  Which 
We  Apprehend  will  be  about  Two  Hundred  and  Sixty  Pounds  Old 

Tenor All  which  is  Submitted  by 

Boston  March.  21.  1743.  Samuel  Adams         ") 

Jonas  Clarke         *  !   0  ,     , 
Thomas  Hancock      f  Selectmen 

MlDDLECOTT    COOKE   J 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Selectmen  do 
accordingly  take  Care  for  the  Paving  the  Towns  part  thereof,  pro- 
vided the  Petitioners  or  Abutters  or  some  of  them  become  Obliged 
to  the  Selectmen  for  Defraying  the  other  Two  thirds  parts  thereof, 
the  said  Work  to  be  performed  according  to  the  Directions  of  the 
Selectmen. 

Voted,  That  the  Petitions  of  Mess".  John  Swinnerton,  Abia 
Holbrook  and  John  Procter  Junr.  Read  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meet- 
ing be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  for  Consideration. 

The  Vote  of  the  Council  and  Representatives  of  this  Province 
the  Eleventh  of  November  last,  Desiring  His  Excellency  the 
Captain  General,  to  give  Orders  that  within  Twelve  Months  there 
be  Erected  within  the  Town  of  Boston  Another  good  and  Sufficient 
Brest  Work  and  a  Platform  Built  and  not  less  than  Twelve  Guns 
Eighteen  Pounders  or  others  Equivalent  Mounted  and  all  Suitable 
Warlike  Stores  procured  and  that  the  Sum  of  Six  Hundred  &  Sixtv 
Six  Pounds  Thirteen  Shillings  &  four  pence  be  Granted  and 
Allowed  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury  to  the  Order  of  the 
said  Town  of  Boston  they  giving  Security  to  the  Province  Treasurer 
for  the  Erecting  said  Works  and  procuring  said  Stores,  and  that 
the  same  shall  be  from  time  to  time  Maintained  or  on  the  failure 
either  of  their  performing  said  Works  or  Maintaining  them,  the 
Money  thereby  granted  to  be  repaid  by  said  Town  into  the  Province 
Treasury Read,  &  after  some  Debate  thereon 


40 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  &  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  take  the  aforesaid  Grant  into  Consideration  &  Report 
at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  what  they  Apprehend  will  be 
most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  to  do  in  this  Affair. 

It  being  Represented  to  the  Town  by  some  of  the  Inhabitants 
that  there  is  Considerable  Sums  of  Money  due  from  the  Several 
Collectors  of  the  Publick  Taxes  of  the  Town  to  the  Province 
Treasurer. 

[26.]  Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  to  Examine  what 
Sums  are  now  due  from  the  said  Collectors  and  each  of  them  to 
the  Province  Treasurer,  and  also  that  the  said  Committee  Examine 
the  said  Collectors  Books  in  Order  to  know  what  Sums  are  due  to 
them  from  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  Consist  of  Three  Persons  & 
that, 

Messrs.  Isaac  Walker 

Thomas  Greene  &   \-  Committee. 


Jeremiah  Allen 

be  a  Committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  the  said  Committee 
are  desired  to  make  Report  of  their  doings  herein  at  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

Mr.  William  Brown  who  was  Chosen  a  Sealer  of  Leather  at  this 
Meeting  desires  to  be  Excused,  he  being  Bound  to  Great  Britain 

with  his  Family  in  about  Two  Months  time 

Voted,  That  the  said  William  Brown  be  Excused  accordingly. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded ■ 

Voted  That  Three  more  Sealers  of  Leather  be  Chosen  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  and 

Mess".  James  Griffin 

Andrew  Eliot  &  [■  Sealers  of  Leather. 
Thomas  Salter 
were  Chosen  accordingly. 

Messrs.  Nathaniel  Barber      Sworn    v| 
Jeremiah  Belknap     Sworn 
Thomas  Salter  Sworn 

Nathaniel  Gardner    Sworn 
Joseph  Fitch 

William  Merchant     Sworn 
John  Darrell  Sworn 

Robert  Rand 

Thomas  Stoddard      Sworn 
Daniel  Pecker 
Joseph  Bradford        Sworn 
Samuel  Parkman       Sworn 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess18.  Jeremiah  Belknap  ~\ 

John  Salter,  and  V  Com' 

Deacon  Samuel  Bridgham  ) 
[27.]     Were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain,  and 
they  are  hereby  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all  Needful  Direc- 
tions to  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantities  of 
Grain  to  be  Sold  and  Setting  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time. 


>■     Clerks  of  the  Market. 


for  Purchasing  Grain. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1744. 


41 


Mess18.  John  Helyer  Sworn 

Harvey  Thomas    Sworn 
John  Hobbs  Sworn 

David  Kent 

Thomas  Sargent  Sworn 
Richard  Barnard  Sworn 
Barratt  Dyre 
John  Marshall 
Isaac  Dafforne 
Richard  Hubbard  J 

were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  and  Hoops  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


y  Cullers  of  Staves  &  Hoops. 


Mess13.  Thomas  Foster  Sworn 

Edward  Moberly  Sworn 

Isaac  Vergoose  Sworn 

Edward  Richards  Sworn 

William  Paine  Sworn 

Benjamin  Russell  Sworn 

Joseph  White  Sworn 

Matthew  Barnard  Sworn 
John  Lewis  Vintenon  Sworn 


1 


>■  Viewers  of  Shingles  &c. 


Shingles  &c.  for  the 


James  Barnard  Sworn 

Samuel  Hood  Sworn 

William  Parkman       Sworn 
were  Chosen  Surveyors  of   Timber  Boards 
Year  ensuing. 

Deacon  Jonathan  Williams  desires  to  Withdraw  his  Motion 
made  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  relating  to  the  removing  of 
the  Moderators  Seat  into  the  Middle  of  Faneuil  Hall,  which  was 
accordingly  Allowed  him. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  Raising  Money  be  refer'd  to 
the  Next  General  Town  Meeting.  —  Also 

Voted,  That  all  the  Business  and  Matters  of  this  Meeting  now 
Unfinished  be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  for  Con- 
sideration 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[28.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
Sixteenth  Day  of  April.  A.D.  1744. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  a  Moderator  by  a  handy  Vote 
And  the  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  being  Nominated  he 
was  accordingly  Chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  General  Town  Meeting  to 
Examine  what  Sums  are  due  from  the  Collectors  of  the  Publick 
Taxes  and  each  of  them  to  the  Province  Treasurer,  And  Also  to 
Examine  the  Collectors  Books  in  Order  to  know  what  Sums  are 
due  to  them  from  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  Informed  the 
Town  that  upon  Enquiry  they  found  there  was  due  from  the  said 
Collectors  to  the  Province  Treasurer  for  the  Years,  1741  and  1742. 
about  Nineteen  Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor,  but  that  they  were 


42  City  Document  No.   170. 

not  yet  ready  to  make  Report  having  not  had  time  to  Examine  the 
Collectors  Books. 

The  Selectmen  Acquainted  the  Town  that  they  had  received 
from  London  by  the  last  Ship  Two  Letters,  One  from  Christopher 
Kilby  Esqr.  the  other  from  Eliakim  Palmer  Esq1.  Agents  for  the 
Town  of  Boston  relating  to  the  Towns  Causes  with  Francis,  Jones 
&c.  which  they  were  ready  to  Communicate  if  the  Town  thinks 
proper. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  Commission  from  His  Excellency 
the  Captain  General  the  fourteenth  of  June  A.D.  1742.  to  repair 

the  Battery s  or  Fortifications  within  the  Town  of  Boston 

Reported  how  far  they  had  proceeded  therein  and  the  present 
State  of  the  same,  which  was  Read  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  the  Fourteenth  of  June, 
A.D.  1742.  to  Repair  the  Battery s  or  Fortifications  within  the 
Town  of  Boston,  how  far  they  .have  proceeded  therein  and  the 
present  State  of  the  same Vizt. 

The  said  Committee  at  the  North  Battery  have  Built  a  New 
Front  with  large  Flat  Stones  about  Two  Hundred  feet  in  Length 
Eleven  feet  high,  Ten  feet  Wide  at  the  Bottom  running  up  Bat- 
tering to  the  Top  to  about  Seven  feet  in  Wedth,  At  the  North- 
east Corner  a  head  Carried  out  to  the  Channel  of  about  Fifty  four 
feet,  with  a  Wall  about  Thirteen  feet  high  to  join  the  other  Work  ; 
The  Old  [29.]  Wharfe  Wood  of  which  the  Battery  was  Built 
being  Worm  Eaten  &  Rotten  was  taken  up  to  the  Foundation  in 
part  And  the  whole  laid  down  Anew  with  large  Ton  Timber  well 
loaded  with  Stones  about  Fifty  four » feet  Wide :  Upon  the  Stone 
Work  the  Work  is  carried  up  with  large  Ton  Timber  Seven  feet 
high  well  Dovetail'd  and  joined  together,  and  a  Platform  for  the 
Guns  laid  upon  large  Timber  with  good  Sound  Pine  Plank  of 
Three  inches  thick  Cut  on  purpose,  and  from  thence  a  Brest  Work 
Carried  up  with  Ton  Timber  of  Five  feet  Wide  and  about  Two 
feet  and  an  half  high,  the  Old  Wharfe  leading  to  the  Battery  being 
broken  up  by  the  late  Storm  is  Rebuilt  from  the  Foundation. 
This  Battery  when  finished  will  Accommodate  Twenty  Guns  Fifteen 
of  which  will  point  directly  down  the  Channel ;  the  Charge  of 
Carrying  on  the  Work  so  far  as  is  done  Amounts  to  about  Eight 
Thousand  Two  Hundred  &  Eighty  Seven  Pounds  Seven 
Shillings  &  four  pence  Old  Tenor,  of  which  is  already  paid  to  the 
Workmen  &  for  Materials  Seven  Thousand  Four  Hundred  & 
Eighty  Seven  Pounds  Seven  Shillings  and  four  pence,  And  there 
still  remains  due  to  Sundry  Persons  about  Eight  Hundred  Pounds 
Old  Tenor. 

The  Work  still  to  be  done,  Vizt.  the  Brest  Work  to  be  Carried  up 
about  Four  feet  higher  which  will  take  about  One  Hundred  Ton 
of  Timber,  Ports  to  be  made,  A  Covering  over  them  to  be  Shingled, 
the  Front  of  the  Brest  Work  to  be  Boarded  the  Northerly  part  to 
be  raised  which  will  take  about  Fifty  Ton  of  Timber,  besides 
Stone  &  Plank,  A  Fence  to  be  made,  A  Small  house  for  the 
Stores  with  a  Centry  Box.  All  Sorts  of  Stores,  Vizt.  Shot  &c. 
New  Trucks  for  the  Carriages  with  other  Jobbs  which  will  Amount 
to  about  Two  Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1744.  43 

At  the  South  Battery,  the  Committee  have  thoroughly  repaired 
the  Sconce  by  carrying  up  the  Stone  &  Brick  Wall  which  was 
decayed  and  broken  clown,  New  Covering  &  Shingling  the  House, 
Making  New  Windows  Doors  &  Floors,  Fit  to  receive  Stores  & 
preserve  the  Shot  &c.  that  is  now  there,  Mounting  the  Guns  on 
the  Carriages,  the  which  Cost  &  is  paid  Five  Hundred  &  Nine 
Pounds  One  Shilling  &  Eight  pence  Old  Tenor 

To  Carry  on  the  projected  Battery  its  judged  it  will  Cost  about 
Eight  or  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor  for  which  the  Province 
has  granted  Two  Thousand  Six  Hundred  &  Sixty  Six  Pounds 
Thirteen  Shillings  and  four  pence  Old  Tenor,  and  which  now  lyes 
before  the  Town  for  their  Acceptance  upon  the  Conditions  men- 
tioned in  the  said  Grant. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted  by 

Thomas  Hancock        Johk  Jeffries  ") 
Middlecott  Cooke      Alex17.  Forsyth  >  Committee. 
John  Steel  Jonas  Clarke    ) 

Boston  April.  16.  1744. 

[30.]  The  Vote  of  the  Council  and  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  Eleventh  of  November  last  Desiring  His  Excellency  the 
Captain  General  to  give  Orders  that  within  Twelve  Months  there 
be  Erected  within  the  Harbour  of  Boston  Another  good  and  Suffi- 
cient Brest  Work  &  a  Platform  Built  and  not  less  than  Twelve 
Guns  Eighteen  Pounders  or  others  Equivalent  Mounted  and  all 
Suitable  Wavlike  Stores  procured,  and  that  the  Sum  of  Six  Hun- 
dred &  Sixty  Six  Pounds  Thirteen  Shillings  &  four  pence  be 
Granted  and  Allowed  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury  to 
the  Order  of  the  said  Town  of  Boston  they  giving  Security  to  the 
Province  Treasurer  for  the  Erecting  said  Works  and  procuring 
said  Stores,  and  that  the  same  shall  be  from  time  to  time  Main- 
tained or  on  the  failure  either  of  their  performing  said  Works  or 
Maintaining  them,  the  Money  thereby  granted  to  be  repaid  by 
said  Town  into  the  Province  Treasury  again  —  And  to  which  His 
Excellency  Consented being  Read. 

The  Town  immediately  proceeded  to  take  the  same  into  Consid- 
eration and  after  long  Debates  thereon. 

A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded  that  the  Town  would  Recon- 
sider a  Vote  by  them  passed  at  the  last  General  Town  Meeting 
appointing  ihe  Selectmen  a  Committee  to  take  the  said  Grant  into 
Consideration  and  Report  what  they  Apprehend  will  be  most  for 
the  Advantage  of  the  Town  to  do  in  this  Affair,  the  said  Committee 
having  yet  done  Nothing  thereon 

And  it  was  accordingly  Voted  That  the  same  be  Reconsidered, 

Then  a  Motion  was  made  &  Seconded  that  the  Town  would  im- 
mediately proceed  to  Vote,  Whether  they  will  Accept  of  the  afore- 
said Grant  of  the  General  Court  on  the  Conditions  therein  men- 
tioned, And  a  Question  being  accordingly  put, 

It  was  Voted  That  the  said  Grant  be  &  hereby  is  Accepted  on 
the  Conditions  therein  mentioned Also 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  on  the  behalf  of  the  Town 
to  give  Security  to  the  Province  Treasurer  in  the  manner  required 
by  the  Grant  of  the  General  Court  &  thereupon  receive  the  said 


44  City  Document  No.   170. 

Money  of  the  said  Province  Treasurer  and  pay  the  same  unto  the 
Town  Treasurer  to  by  by  him  kept  and  paid  out  unto  such  Persons 
as  the  Selectmen  shall  Order  upon  Drafts  by  them  made  for  that 
purpose. 

[31.]  A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded  that  the  Sum  of  Ten 
Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor  may  be  raised  b}-  a  Tax  upon  the 
Inhabitants  in  Order  to  Carry  on  the  Batterys  or  Fortifications 
within  the  Town,  but  the  same  being  Opposed  by  Several  of  the 
Inhabitants  who  Moved  that  only  the  Sum  of  Six  Thousand 
Pounds  Old  Tenor  may  be  Raised  for  that  purpose,  A  previous 
Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  now  proceed  to  raise 
any  Certain  Sum  of  Money  for  Fortifying  the  Town,  And  it  passed 
in  the  Affirmative Then 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor  be 
raised  by  a  Tax  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  the  same  to  be 
Applyed  for  Building  of  the  Batterys  and  Fortifications  in  said 
Town  and  no  other  Use,  And  that  the  Assessors  Set  forthwith  to 
make  and  Apportion  the  said  Assessments  upon  the  Inhabitants, 
And  that  the  same  be  paid  in  to  the  Town  Treasurer  on  or  before 
the  Tenth  Day  of  August  next,  to  be  by  him  paid  out  to  such  Per- 
sons as  the  Selectmen  shall  Order. 

Voted,  That  Mess".  John  Goldthwait  Daniel  Pecker,  Nathaniel 
Barber,  Jeremiah  Belknap,  Sampson  Salter,  William  Ireland,  John 
Williams,  John  Tudor,  Daniel  Ballard  Samuel  Bass  Jonathan 
Williams  and  Joseph  Boby  be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  to  Collect 
the  aforesaid  Sum  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  and  that  they  pay  in 
the  same  to  the  Trown  Treasurer  on  or  before  the  said  Tenth  Day 
of  August  next  accordingly. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  in  behalf  of  the  Town  Petition  the 
Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  on 
Wednesday  next  praying  them  to  make  a  further  Grant  to  the 
Town  of  such  Sum  as  they  shall  think  proper  in  Order  to  Enable 
them  to  Carry  on  the  Building  and  Compleating  the  Batterys  or 
Fortifications  within  the  Town. 

The  Letters  of  Christopher  Kilby  &  Eliakim  Palmer  Esqrs.  Dated 
at  London  the  Eleventh  &  Eighteenth  of  February  last  mentioned 
at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  were  Read  and  the  Town  Appre- 
hending by  Mr.  Kilby's  Letter  that  he  is  under  some  very  great 
Mistakes  relating  to  Several  particular  Matters  by  him  mentioned 
in  his  Letter therefore 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  take  the  Several  Matters 
in  Mr.  Kilby's  Letter  Complained  of  into  Consideration  &  Report 
at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  what  they  think  may  be  proper 

for  the  Town  to  do  thereon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


[32.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the 
Fourth  Day  of  May.  A.D.  1744. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  William  Welsteed 


Boston  Town  Records,  1744.  45 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Jonas  Clarke  Esqr.  One  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  proposed 
to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Person 
or  Persons  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  a  Great  and  Gen- 
eral Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the 
Thirtieth  of  May  instant,  And  in  Order  thereto  to  Consider  and 
Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected. 

Accordingly,  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Represent- 
atives, And  it  was  declared  that  the  Poll  be  closed  at  half  an  hour 
after  Twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  Five  Hundred  &  Thirty  two,  And  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen,  Vizt. 

No.  of  Votes. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  dishing  Esq7 500 

Mr  Timothy  Prout 434 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr 302 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr 296 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  Ended  and  the  same  being 

declared  by  the  Selectmen 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  handy 
Vote,  And  the  Honble.  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr.  being  Nominated,  The 
Question  was  put,  Whether  they  would  Choose  the  said  Thomas 
Gushing  Esqr.  to  be  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  — And  it  Unani- 
mously passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Sundry  Petitions Read,  Vizt. 

of  Ebenezer  Berry  that  he  may  be  Released  from  pay- 
ing his  Taxes  for  Three  Years  past. 
[33.]      of  George  Tilley  for  leave  to  take  Gravel  from  Fox  hill 
in  the  Common, 
of   Samuel   Holyoke   Writing   School   Master   for   an 

Addition  to  his  Salary, 
of  Sundry  Inhabitants  to  have  the  New  Brick  Church 

Bell  rung  at  Eleven  o'Clock. 
of  the  Grave  diggers  that  some  place  may  be  provided 
to  bury  Strangers  in. 

Several  Reports  Read,  Vizt. 

of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  of  Frauds  in 

Cord  Wood,  and  Firing  of  Chimneys. 

of  the  Committee  appointed  to  See  what  Sums  are  clue 
to  the  Province  Treasurer  and  Examine  the  Col- 
lectors Books. 

of  the  Selectmen  relating  to  Accepting  a  Peice  of  Land 

near  Sudbury  Street  for  a  High  Way. 

of  the  Selectmen,  on  Mr.  Kilby's  Letter  read  at  the  last 

Meeting.  

relating  to  the  Selectmens  applying  to  the  General 
Court  for  a  Law  to  Impower  them  to  Execute  the 
By-Laws  of  the  Town. 


46  City  Document  No.    170. 

Sundry  Motions made,  Vizt. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield,  that  the  Merchants  Watch  upon 
the  Dock  may  be  put  under  the  Care  of  the  Select- 
men. 
Mr.  Robert  Rand  praying  he  may  Excused  from  paying 
his  Fine  for  not  Serving  as  a  Clerk  of  the  Market,  to 
which  Office  he  was  Chosen  in  March  last. 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke,  that  the  Writing  School  in  the 
Common,  whereof  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  is  Master  may 
be    Enlarged,    the    same    not    being   Sufficient    to 
Accommodate  the  Scholars  that  there  Attend. 
Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  that  the  Town  would  Grant  a  foot 
of  Land  or  thereabouts  to  his  Brother  Peter  Oliver  to 
be  Added  to  his  Estate  in  Purchase  Street  out  of  the 
Passage  Way  leading  before  the  same,  and  in  Lieu 
thereof  Accept  of  the  same  Quantity  of  his    Land 
on  the  other  Side  said  Street  And  that  the  Selectmen 
may  be  Impowered  to  lay  out  the  same  accordingly. 
Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  on  behalf  of  himself  and  the  other 
Persons  that  Petitioned  for  Purchase  Street,  praying 
the  Town  to  Accept  of  said  Street  as  now  laid  out. 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  that  the  Moneys  granted  by 
the  General  Court  and  also  the  Moneys  Voted  by  the 
Town  the  Sixteenth  of  April  last  to  be  raised  by  a 
Tax  on  the  Inhabitants  for  Carrying  on  &  Compleat- 
ing   the    Fortifications   may  be  paid  into  the  hands 
of   some  particular  Person   as  may  be   Chosen    to 
receive  the  same,  to   be  by  him  paid  out  unto  the 
Committee     (or   their   Order)    appointed    to    Erect 
Fortifications. 
[34.]   The  Assessors  informed  the  Town  that  the  Tax  of  Ten 
Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor  Voted  the  last  Town  Meeting  for 
Fortifications  was  Apportioned  praying  the  Direction  of  the  Town 

as  to  their  Delivering  the  Books  to  the  Collectors. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Motion  made 
by  Mr.  Robert  Rand  praying  he  may  be  Excused  from  paying  his 
Fine  for  not  Serving  as  a  Clerk  of  the  Market,  and  upon  hearing 

Mr.  Rand  &  the  reasons  by  him  given. 

Voted  That  Mr.  Robert  Rand  be  Excused  from  paying  his  Fine 

accordingly. 

On  a  Motion  made  that  the  Foundation  of  the  Grant  of  the  Sum 
of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor  for  Fortifying  the  Town 
passed  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  April  last,  may  be  Recon- 
sidered, after  long  Debates  thereupon 

The  following  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Matters  inserted 
in  the  Warrant  for  calling  the  Town  Meeting  the  Sixteenth  of 
April  last,  was  a  Sufficient  Foundation  for  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  to  Raise  the  Tax  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  then  Voted  for 

carrying  on  the  Fortifications  in  the  Town. 

Voted,  in  the  Negative And  then  another  Question  was  put, 

Whether  there  is  a  Sufficient  Foundation  in  the  Warrant  for  call- 


Boston   Town  Records,   1744.  47 

ing  this  present  Meeting  to  proceed  to  Raise  Moneys  for  Fortifying 
the  Town,  And  it  passed  in  the  Negative. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  to  whom  it  was  refer' d  to  Con- 
sider of  a  Motion  for  Applying  to  the  General  Court  for  granting 
further  powers  to  the  Town  for  the  Executing  the  By-Laws,  Read 

at   the  Opening  of   the  Meeting,  was  now  Read  again And 

after  a  Considerable  Debate  thereon 

It  was  Moved  and  Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Report 
be  refer'd  to  the  next  Town  Meeting. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  consisting  of  a  Draft  of  a  Letter 
by  them  made  in  Answer  to  a  Letter  of  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  of 
the  Eleventh  of  February  last  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meet- 
ing, was  now  Read  again and  after  some  Debate  thereon  the 

same  was  Amended,  And  then  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  & 
hereby  are  desired  to  Sign  the  said  Letter  in  the  Name  of  the 
Town  &  forward  it  to  Mr.  Kilby  by  the  first  Opportunity. 

which  Letter  is  in  the  Words  following,  Vizt. 


[35.]  Boston  May.  4th.  1744. 

Christopher  Kilby  Esqr. 
Sir 

Your  Letter  of  the  11th.  of  February  with  the  Two  Annexed 
Copys  of  Tour  Letters  to  Mr.  Palmer  were  duly  received  by  the 
Selectmen  &  by  them  Communicated  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town. 

We  Observe  with  great  Concern  that  You  have  declined  Engag- 
ing for  the  Town  in  their  Cause  with  Francis  &  others  and  We 
cannot  think  You  can  be  Justified  in  Your  Severe  Expressions  & 
the  Resentment  You  have  shewn  which  have  proceeded  from  Mis- 
takes or  Misinformations. 

We  cannot  Answer  for  the  Views  or  Prejudice  of  every  Inhabi- 
tant but  We  are  well  Assured  it  was  far  from  being  the  design  of 
any  Considerable  Number  much  less  of  the  Majority  of  the  Town 
in  joining  Mr.  Palmer  to  put  any  Slight  upon  You  or  shew  the 
least  Distrust  of  Your  Capacity  or  Fidelity  in  Pursuing  the  Interest 
of  the  Town,  but  it  was  Used  as  an  Argument  with  the  Inhabitants 
that  the  Appointing  Mr.  Palmer  and  You  by  a  joint  Vote  would 
have  the  Appearance  of  this  being  the  beginning  of  the  Town's 
inserting  themselves  in  the  Affair  and  so  any  Objection  that  might 
be  made  that  they  had  already  by  You  their  Agent  Acknowledged 
the  Jurisdiction  of  the  King  in  Council  would  be  Removed,  what- 
ever Weight  there  might  be  in  this  Argument  Yet  it  was  the  pre- 
vailing One. 

We  are  Sorry  for  the  unlucky  Circumstance  of  the  Papers  being 
Sent  You  by  Mr.  Palmer  under  a  Wrong  Cover  both  the  Original 
&  Duplicates  that  went  from  the  Selectmen  were  Superscribed  by 
the  Town  Clerk  &  by  him  put  in  the  Bag  or  delivered  the  Captains 
of  the  Ships  they  Went  by,  And  Mr.  Palmer  Undoubtedly  is  Ca- 
pable of  Satisfying  You  of  his  Mistake. 

You  Mention  a  Letter  being  received  by  You  Signed  by  Six 
only  of  the  Selectmen,  the  Seventh  was  not  then  in  Town,  if  he 


48  City  Document  No.  170. 

had  been  he  would  readily  have  Signed  it  &  he  joined  with  the 
rest  in  Voting  the  Letter  to  be  Sent  You. 

As  these  Circumstances  which  were  a  great  reason  of  Your  re- 
fusal &  in  the  light  they  Appeared  to  You  must  seem  extraordinary 
are  thus  Explained  &  Cleared,  We  hope  You  will  still  engage  in 
this  Affair  which  We  look  upon  to  be  of  ver}^  great  Importance  to 
Us  and  in  which  We  very  much  desire  Your  Assistance,  And  as 
there  was  no  design  the  Three  Hundred  Pounds  Sterling  should 
fall  into  the  hands  of  One  Agent  any  more  than  the  other,  We 
expect  &  doubt  not  that  it  will  be  Applied  for  the  Service  of  the 
joint  Agency  in  proportion  to  the  Charge  either  of  You  have  been 
or  may  be  at. . 

We  are,  in  the  Name  &  by  Order  of  the  Town. 
Sir,    Your  very  humble  Servants. 

[36.]    Messrs.  John  Greenough  Sworne  ~\ 

Samuel  Holland    Sworn    >■  Clerks  of  the  Market. 
William  Palfrey    Sworn    ) 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  all  the  Matters  and  Things  now  remaining  Unfin- 
ished be  refer'd  over  to  the  next  Town  Meeting,  to  be  then  Con- 
sidered and  Acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the 
Ninth  Day  of  May  A.D.   1744. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

Voted  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by 
a  Written  Vote,  the  Votes  being  Collected  it  Appeared  that  the 
Honourable  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr.  was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Petition  of  Edward  Gray  &  others  relating  to  Purchase 
Street,  was  Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Affair  of 
further  Fortifying  the  Town,  and  after  a  long  Debate  thereon, 

It  was  Moved  &  Seconded  that  the  following  Question  might  be 
put,  Whether  the  Town  will  now  further  enter  into  the  Considera- 
tion of  Finishing  the  North  Battery  and  the  same  being  put  ac- 
cordingly It  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative Then 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Thousand  Five  Hundred  Pounds 
Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be  granted  and  raised  by  a  Tax  upon  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  for  finishing  the  North  Battery,  and  that 
the  Assessors  Set  forthwith  to  Apportion  the  said  Tax  and  when 
finished  Commit  the  same  to  the  Standing  Collectors  of  Taxes  & 
that  they  be  Obliged  to  pay  the  same  into  the  hands  of  the  Town 
Treasurer  on  or  before  the  Tenth  Day  of  August  next  to  be  by 
him  kept  and  paid  out  unto  the  Committee  already  appointed  to 
Erect  Fortifications  or  their  Order. 


Boston   Town  Eecords,  1744.  49 

The  Town  Apprehending  the  Vote  pass'd  by  them  the  Sixteenth 
[37.]  of  April  last  whereby  they  Accepted  of  the  General  Courts 
Grant  of  Six  Hundred  &  Sixty  Six  Pounds  Thirteen  Shillings  & 
four  pence  for  Erecting  another  good  and  Sufficient  Brest  Work 
&c.  to  be  Invalid  and  illegal,  proceeded  further  to  Consider  of  said 
Grant  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 

Voted  That  the  Town  will  not  Accept  of  the  same  on  the  Con- 
ditions therein  mentioned,  the  said  Vote  of  the  Sixteenth  of  April 
Notwithstanding. 

Then  Voted  That  the  Town  will  not  at  this  time  take  any  Steps 
further  to  Fortify  the  Town: 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  in  the 
Name  of  the  Town  to  put  in  a  Petition  to  the  Great  &  General 
Court  or  Assembly  at  their  Sessions  in  May  next  praying  them  to 
Alter  the  aforesaid  Grant  of  Six  Hundred  &  Sixty  Six  Pounds 
Thirteen  Shillings  &  four  pence  in  such  manner  as  that  the  same 
may  be  Applied  towards  Compleating  the  North  Battery,  Supply- 
ing it  with  Stores  &ca 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  o' Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  praying  the  Bell  at  the  New 
Brick  Church  at  the  North  End  may  be  rung  at  Eleven  o'Clock  in 
the  Forenoon  and  such  Allowance  be  made  to  the  Sexton  therefor 

as  shall  be  thought  proper Voted,  That  the  said  Petition  be 

refer'd  to  the  Selectmen,  they  to  Report  thereon,  as  also  on  the 
Sextons  Petition  refer'd  to  them  in  March  last,  at  the  next  Town 
Meeting. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  made  at  the  Meeting  the  fourth 
instant,  on  the  Motion  for  Applying  to  the  General  Court  for 
granting  further  powers  to  the  Town  for  the  Executing  the  By 
Laws  was  now  Read  again,  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May.  4th.  1744. 

The  Selectmen  to  whom  was  refer'd  to  Consider  of  a  Motion  for 
Applying  to  the  General  Court  for  granting  further  powers  to  the 
Town  for  the  Executing  the  By-Laws,  make  this  report. 

That  they  are  of  Opinion  that  Application  be  made  to  the 
General  Court  humbly  praying,  That  as  this  Town  is  grown  much 
more  Populous  [38.]  Than  under  the  Old  Charter  when  they 
had  power  of  making  Laws  with  the  Penalty  of  Twenty  Shillings 
Annexed,  their  power  ma}-  be  now  by  an  Act  of  the  General 
Court  increased,  so  as  to  make  By  Laws  with  the  Consent  of 
the  Court  of  Sessions  with  a  Penalty  not  exceeding  Forty 
Shillings. 

That  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  or  the  Major  part  of  them 
be  Constituted  a  Court  of  Record  &  Vested  with  Powers  Sufficient 
to  try  &  Determine  all  Offences  against  the  By  Laws  of  the  Town, 
their  Courts  to  be  held  the  last  Monday  of  every  Month  under  such 
Regulations  as  the  General  Court  shall  think  proper,  Provided  an 
Appeal  lyes  from  the  Judgment  of  said  Selectmen  to  the  Court  of 


50  City  Document  No.   170. 

General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  to  be  held 

next  after  said  Judgment. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted. 

Thos.  Hutchinson 

Thomas  Hancock 

Middlecott  Cooke   \-  Selectmen. 

John  Steel 

William  Salter        J 

And  after  a  long  Debate  upon  the  said  Report,  The  following 
Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  Accept  of  said  Report 
and  Apply  to  the  General  Court  for  the  purposes  therein  men- 
tioned, And  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

The  Petition  of  John  Swinnerton  praying  that  he  may  keep  a 
Free  School  for  the  learning  of  Children  to  Spell  &  Read  refer'd 
over  to  this  Meeting  now  came  under  Consideration  And  after 
some  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Dismissed. 


Voted  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  &  hereby  are  desired 
in  the  most  prudent  &  frugal  manner  to  take  Care  that  the  Poor 
Children  within  their  respective  Wards  be  put  to  such  Schools  as- 
are  proper  for  teaching  them  to  Read  &  that  the  Town  be  at  the 
Expence  of  the  same. 

Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  presented  an  Estimate  of  what  may 
be  proper  for  the  Town  to  Raise  for  defraying  the  Charges  of  the 
Current  Year. 

Voted,  That  the  Several  Petitions  of  Samuel  Holyoke,  Abia 
[39.]  Holbrook  &  John  Procter  Junr.  Schoolmasters  in  the 
Town  praying  for  an  Addition  to  be  made  to  their  Salarys,  be 
refer'd  over  to  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  March  next  for  Con- 
sideration.  

Voted  a  Grant  of  Fifteen  Thousand  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  to  to 
be  raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton for  Relief  of  the  Poor  and  defraying  other  Necessary  Charges 
arising  within  and  for  the  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Seventy  five  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old 
Tenor  be  Allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr. 
John  Staniford  being  for  his  Salary  as  Clerk  of  Faneuill  Hall  Mar- 
ket the  Year  past  ending  in  March  last. 

The  Petition  of  Ebenezer  Berry  refer'd  to  this  time,  praying 
for  an  Abatement  of  his  Taxes  for  Three  Years  past  for  reasons 
mentioned  in  said  Petition,  now  came  under  Consideration,  And 
after  some  Debate,  Voted  That  the  said  Petition  be  Dismissed. 

The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  from  the  Committee 
appointed  to  Examine  the  Accounts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth, 
to  Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the 
Almshouse,  and  also  to  Audit  their  Accounts  relating  to  the 
Workhouse,  presented  their  Several  Reports  thereon  which  were 
Read  and  are  as  on  file 

Voted  That  the  said  Reports  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tomorrow,  at  Three 
o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon.  ■ ■ 


Boston   Town  Records,  1744.  51 

Thursday  May  10th. — The  Town  beiiig  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  at  the  last  Town 
Meeting  that  the  Merchants  Watch  upon  the  Town  Dock  may  be 

put  under  the  Care  of  the  Select  men was  now  Considered, 

and 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  take  the  whole  Care  of 
said  Watch,  that  the  same  be  kept  up  and  Maintained  at  the 
Expence  of  the  Town,  until  the  Town  shall  Order  otherwise. 

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke  the  last  Town  Meet- 
ing that  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  whereof  Mr.  Abia 
Holbrook  is  Master  may  be  Enlarged  the  same  not  being  Sufficient 
to  Accommodate  the  Scholars  that  there  Attend,  was  taken  into 
Consideration,  &  thereupon 

[40.]  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  &  hereby  are  desired  to 
Enlarge  the  said  School  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  think  Need- 
ful for  the  Convenience  &  Accommodation  of  the  Scholars. 

The  Motion  made  by  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  the  last  Town  Meet- 
ing, that  the  Town  will  grant  a  foot  of  Land  or  thereabouts  to  his 
Brother  Peter  Oliver  to  be  Added  to  his  Estate  in  Purchase  Street, 
out  of  the  Passage  Way  leading  before  the  same  &  in  Lieu  thereof 
Accept  of  the  same  Quantity  of  his  Land  on  the  other  Side  said 
Passage  Way now  came  under  Consideration 

And  thereupon Voted  That  the  same  be  ref er'd  to  the 

Selectmen,  who  are  desired  to  Act  &  do  therein  as  they  shall 
think  proper. 

The  Memorial  of  Edward  Gray  &  John  Bill  in  behalf  of  them- 
selves &  others  Proprietors  &  Abutters  of  Land  on  Purchase  Street 
so  Called  laid  out  through  Bartons  Rope  Walk  Read  at  the  Open- 
ing of  the  Meeting  &  now  Read  again  Setting  forth,  That  the 
Town  at  their  Meeting  in  May.  1741.  on  the  Report  of  the  Select- 
men then  made  upon  the  Petition  of  the  Memorialist's  relating  to 
said  High  Way  Voted  That  their  Report  be  Accepted  &  that  upon 
the  Petitioners  Compleating  the  Street  from  Summer  Street  to 
Sconce  Street  of  Twent}^  One  feet  in  Length  &  levelling  a  part  of 
the  hill  to  the  Eastward  of  said  Street  to  the  Approbation  of  the 
Selectmen  &  Convey  over  said  Land  to  the  Town  for  a  Common 
High  Way  free  from  any  Demand  of  the  Proprietors,  that  then  the 
Town  Allow  to  the  Memorialists  One  Hundred  &  Fifty  Pounds 
&  Accept  of  it  as  a  High  Way. 

That  the  Memorialists  pursuant  to  said  Vote  have  Compleated 
the  whole  of  said  Street  Saving  a  Small  part  thereof  towards  the 
Sconce  belonging  to  the  Honblc.  Col°.  Wendell  &  which  the  Me- 
morialists.  were  in  hopes  they  should  prevail  with  Col0.  Wendell  to 
Release  but  as  yet  have  not  been  able  to  do,  That  the  Memorial- 
ists have  Levelled  the  Hill  to  the  Eastward  of  said  Street  to  the 
Approbation  of  the  Selectmen  &  done  every  thing  they  can  to 
Comply  with  said  Vote  &  are  ready  by  a  good  Deed  to  Convey 
said  Land  to  the  Town.  And  as  they  had  been  put  to  Consider- 
able more  Cost  Expence  &  Trouble  than  the}'  at  first  Appre- 
hended They  prayed  the  Town  would  be  pleased  to  Accept  of  said 
[41.]  High  Way  as  it  now  is,  altho'  they  cannot  yet  Obtain  from 


52  City  Document  No.  170. 

Col0.  Wendell  his  Land  which  would  Enable  them  fully  to  Comply 
with  the  Towns  Vote  &  thereupon  Order  the  said  Sum  of  One 
Hundred  &  Fifty  Pounds  to  be  paid  them  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury. 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon 

Voted  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  &  that  upon 
the  Petitioners  &  their  Associates  giving  a  good  and  Lawful  Deed 
of  the  said  Street  to  the  Town  as  it  now  is,  the  Town  Accept  of 
the  same  as  a  High  Way  and  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  & 
Fifty  Pounds  Old  Tenor  be  paid  them  out  of  the  Town  Treasury 
accordingly. 

The  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham  at  the  Meet- 
ing in  That  a  Plan  be  taken  of  all  the  Lands  &  Eights  be- 
longing to  the  Town  and  hung  up  in  Faneuil  Hall,  &  that  a  par- 
ticular Entry  of  all  said  Lands    &  Rights  may  be  made  in   the 

Towns  Books  for  the  better  Information  of  the  Inhabitants 

now  came  under  Consideration,  &  thereupon 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  in  the  most 
frugal  manner  they  can  to  take  or  cause  to  be  taken  a  Plan  of  all 
such  Rights  as  do  in  any  manner  belong  unto  the  Town,  and  Re- 
port their  Doings  hereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  &  Fifty  Pounds  Bills  of 
the  Old  Tenor  be  Allowed  and  Paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury 
unto  the  Honourable  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  for  his  good  Services 
as  Town  Treasurer  for  the  Year  past. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  relating  to  a  Peice  of  Land,  Peti- 
tioned for  by  a  Number  of  Inhabitants  to  be  laid  out  for  a  High 

Way  leading   from  Sudbury  Street   to  Hawkins  Street  was 

Read  &  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  May  the  4th.  1744. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  the  14th.  of  March  last  desiring 
the  Selectmen  to  View  a  Peice  of  Land  leading  from  Sudbury 
Street  to  Hawkins's  Street  Petitioned  for  by  a  Number  of  Pro- 
prietors &  Abutters  to  be  Accepted  by  the  Town  for  a  High  Way. 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  &  are  of 
Opinion  that  the  said  Peice  of  Land  be  Accepted  of  by  the  Town 
[42.]  For  a  Publick  High  Way  provided  the  Abutters  &  Proprietors 
thereon  Level  the  said  Land  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted,  by 

Samuel  Adams  ") 

Jonas  Clarke 

Thomas  Hancock      [     oninn(.ma„ 
,r  ,-,  V     Selectmen 

MlDDLECOTT    COOKE     j 

John  Steel 
William  Salter       J 

And  thereupon Voted  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted  pro- 
vided the  sd.  Proprietors  &  Abutters  will  Pave  the  said  Street  at 
their  own  Expence  &  Charge  the  same  to  be  under  the  Direction  of 
the  Selectmen,  and  that  the  same  be  called  and  known  by  the 
Name  of  Still  house  Square. 


Boston   Town  Eecoeds,  1744.  53 

The  Petition  of  George  Tilley  refer'd  over  from  the  last  Meeting 
unto  this  time,  praying  the  Town  would  give  him  Liberty  to  take  a 
few  Load  of  Gravel  from  Fox  hill  or  Beach  Stuff,  from  of  the  great 
Beach  at  the  Bottom  of  the  Common  to  Cover  a  hollow  place  in  a 
High  Way  by  him  fenced  in  Order  to  lay  out  for  the  Service  of  the 

Town,  near  the  bottom  of  the  Common was  now  Read  &  after 

some  Debate  thereon 

Voted  That  this  Petition  be  &  hereby  is  refer'd  unto  the  Select- 
men who  are  desired  to  Act  &  do  therein  what  they  Apprehend 
will  be  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Moulin  &  others  Grave  Diggers  Setting 
forth  that  the  South  Burying  place  is  so  full  that  they  cannot  Bury 
the  Dead  without  Disturbing  them,  praying  the  Town  to  take  it 
into  Consideration  &  that  they  will  provide  some  place  to  Bury 
Strangers  &  Negroes — —was  now  Read  &  thereupon 

Voted  That  the  same  be  refer'd  to  the  Selectmen,  they  to  Consider 
of  the  said  Petition  &  Report  at  the  next  Town  Meeting  what  they 
Apprehend  may  be  proper  to  do  thereon. 

The  Committee  appointed  in  March  last  to  Consider  of  some 
Effectual  means  to  prevent  Frauds  in  the  measure  of  Cord  Wood 
presented  their  Report  which  was  Read  &  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

Boston  May.  3d.  1744. 
We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of 
some  Effectual  Method  to  prevent  Fraud  in  the  Measure  of  [43.] 
Cord  Wood,  accordingly  have  Convers'd  with  divers  People  relat- 
ing to  this  Affair  and  do  find  that  in  times  past  some  Wharfs  have 
been  Omitted  as  to  the  having  a  Sealer  which  has  been  a  discour- 
agement to  those  that  have  been  Sealers,  &  and  many  Coasters 
have  gone  from  those  Wharfs  where  there  have  been  faithful 
Sealers  to  those  where  there  has  been  none,  Upon  all  which  We 
are  of  Opinion  That  no  Wharf  where  any  Wood  is  Landed  for  Sale 
should  be  Destitute  of  a  faithful  Sealer,  and  that  for  his  Encour- 
agement he  should  be  Allowed  Four  pence  Old  Tenor  for  every 
Cord  of  Wood  he  Seals  &  that  no  Wood  shall  be  Carried  of  from 
any  Wharf  without  it  be  Sealed  by  One  of  the  Persons  so  Chosen 
&  Sworn,  &  that  no  One  Sealer  shall  have  the  Charge  of  more  than 
Two  or  Three  Wharfs  at  the  most All  of  which  is  Sub- 
mitted   

John  Darrell 
Robert  Rand 
Joseph  Bradford 
Jacob  Parker 

Voted  That  this  Report  be  Accepted  &  that  the  Selectmen  be 
desired  to  Act  in  Conformity  to  said  Report. 

The  Committee  appointed  in  March  last  to  Consider  of  some 
Effectual  means  to  prevent  the  frequent  Firing  of  Chimneys,  pre- 
sented their  Report  which  was  Read,  &  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

Boston  May.  3d.  1744. 
We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of 
some  proper  Method  to  prevent  the  Firing  of  Chimneys,  have  Con- 


54  City  Document  No.   170 

sidered  of  that  Affair  &  and  do  find  that  many  fires  has  beeiv 
Occasioned  by  the  Neglect  of  Sweeping  of  Chimneys,  Therefore  are 
of  Opinion  that  if  the  Town  could  find  two  Suitable  Persons  that 
would  Undertake  to  Effect  the  Sweeping  of  all  the  Chimneys  in  the 
Town  of  Boston  they  having  a  proper  Encouragement  for  so  doing, 
in  such  Case  if  the  said  Undertakers  shall  be  duly  Notified  to 
Sweep  any  Chirnney  &  shall  not  Attend  his  or  their  Duty  within 
Forty  Eight  hours  shall  pay  a  fine  of  Ten  Shillings  for  every  such 
Neglect,  And  if  any  Inhabitant  shall  Neglect  to  Notify  One  of 
the  Undertakers,  &  by  such  Neglect  his  Chimney  shall  take  Fire 
so  as  to  Blaze  out  at  the  Top,  shall  for  every  such  Neglect  pa}T  the 
aforsaid  Fine,  And  for  the  Encouragement  of  the  Undertakers  no 
Person  shall  Employ  any  other  Person  to  [44.]  Sweep  their  Chim- 
ney or  Chimneys  without  paying  the  aforsaid  Fine All  which  is- 

Submitted  by  Your  humble  Servants. 

John  Darrell 
Robert  Rand 
Joseph  Bradford 
Jacob  Parker 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  refer'cl  to  the  Selectmen  they  to 
Consider  thereof  &  Act  therein  as  shall  be  most  for  the  Security 

and  Advantage  of  the  Town 

Voted  That  Mr.  John  Wheelwright 
Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
Mr.  Harrison  Graj7  & 
Nathaniel  Balston  Esqr. 
be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the 
Year  ensuing  and  make  Report  as  Usual,  and  that  they  also  Audit 
the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the  Alms- 
house, and  also  the  Workhouse,  and  to  Attend  doing  the  same  at 
the  Usual  place  of  said  Overseers  Meeting,  &  said  Accounts  being 
Audited  the  said  Committee  are  desired  to  make  Report  hereon  at 
the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 
Messrs.  Benjamin  Ballard  1   - 

Joseph  Ballard      >  Cullers  of  Staves  &  Hoops. 
Benjamin  Sault     ) 
were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  &  Hoops  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mr.  Thomas  Hayes  was  Chosen  a  Sealer  of  Leather  for  the  Year 

ensuing. Sworn. 

Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Honble. 
Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  the  Moderator  for  his  great  Pains  in  regu- 
lating &  giving  Dispatch  to  the  Business  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  all  the  Matters  &  Things  remaining  Unfinished  be 
refer'd  over  to  the  next  Town  Meeting  for  Consideration. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[45.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  Lawfully  Warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday 
the  Twenty  Fourth  Day  of  May,  Anno  Domini,  1744. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1744.  55 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  a  Moderator  by  a  handy  Vote, 
And  the  Honourable  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  being  Nominated, 
was  accordingly  Chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  One  of  the  Selectmen,  Informed  the  Town 
that  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  keeper  of  the  Granary  the  last  Week 
broke  his  Leg,  whereby  he  is  rendered  Unable  to  Attend  that  Bus- 
iness, and  the  Granary  has  not  been  since  Opened,  He  therefore 
desired  the  Town  would  give  Directions  to  the  Selectmen  how  they 
should  Act  in  this  matter. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Business  of 
this  Meeting,  which  is  to  Determine  Whether  it  will  be  proper  to 
give  any  Instructions  to  their  Agents  relating  to  the  Controversy 
between  them  and  Abraham  Francis  and  others  differing  from  what 
has  already  been  Determined  by  the  Town,  And  after  very  long 

Debates   thereupon It   was    Moved  and    Seconded    that   the 

following  Question  might  be  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  now 
come  to  a  Determination  of  this  Affair,  And  it  being  accordingly 
put 

It  was  Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  there  be  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  further  to 
Consider  &  Determine  upon  the  Business  thereof,  and  that  when 
the  same  is  Adjourned  it  be  to  Thursday  the  Fourteenth  Day  of 
June  next. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  Four- 
teenth Day  of  June  next  at  Three  o' Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  And 
that  the  Selectmen  give  Directions  to  the  Constables  that  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  be  Specially  Notified  of  this  Adjournment 
and  the  Business  that  is  to  be  then  Acted  upon. 

Thursday,  June.  14,  1744.  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  — — 
The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  it  Appearing  that  the  Constables  had  not  Warned  the 
[46.]  Inhabitants  as  they  were  directed,  and  few  of  the  Inhab- 
itants being  present,  it  was  Moved  that  the  Meeting  should  be 
Adjourned  to  some  further  Day  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired 
to  give  Orders  in  Writing  to  the  Several  Constables  of  the  Town 
that  they  Notify  the  Inhabitants  to  meet  at  said  Adjournment, 
and  that  Printed  Tickets  expressing  the  Business  of  the  Meeting 
be  left  at  the  Houses  of  the  Several  Inhabitants  at  some  Seasona- 
ble time  before  the  said  Adjournment,  which  Motion  being  Sec- 
onded by  Several,  it  was  accordingly  put,  and  Voted  in  the  Affirm- 
ative   Then 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  Twenty 
Sixth  Day  of  June  instant,  at  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Tuesday  June.  26th.  1744.  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 
The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Honbl<\  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  being  out  of  Town  upon  his  private  Affairs,  It  was  pro- 
posed that  souk;  other  Person  be  Chosen  in  his  room.  And  James 
Alien  Esq',  being  Nominated,  he  was  accordingly  Chosen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Business  of 
the  Meeting  which  is  to  Determine  Whether  it  will  be  proper  for 


56  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  Town  to  give  any  Instructions  to  their  Agents  relating  to  the 
Controversy  between  them  and  Abraham  Francis  and  others  differ- 
ing from  what  has  already  been  Determined  by  the  Town 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon,  A  Question  was  put,  And  it  was 
accordingly,  Voted,   Nemine    Contradicente    that   the  Town    will 
not  give  any  Instructions  to  their  Agents  relating  to  the  Contro- 
versy aforesaid  differing  from  those  already  given  them. 
Voted,  That  Samuel  Welles  ^ 

Edward  Hutchinson 

James  Allen  VEsqrs. 

Thomas  Cushing  & 

John  Read 

Capt.   Nathaniel    Cunningham  & 

Mr.  Charles  Apthorp 
be   a   Committee   to  draw  up  a  Letter  proper  to  be  Sent  to  the 
Agents  to  Inform  them  what  the  Town  have  now  done  relating  to 
this  matter,  and  Report  thereon  at  the  next  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke ■ 

[47.]  It  was  Unanimously  Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the 
Town  be  given  to  Capt.  Edward  Tyng  Commander  of  the  Province 
Snow  for  the  great  Service  he  has  done  in  taking  and  bringing  in 
to  this  Harbour  a  French  Privateer  Sloop  belonging  to  Cape 
Briton  Mounting  Sixteen  Guns  and  Mann'd  with  Ninety  four  Men 
Commanded  by  Capt.  Delabroitz,  which  has  been  Cruising  in  Our 
Bay  for  several  days  past ;  and  that  the  Selectmen  desired  to 
present  the  same  to  him  accordingly. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  &  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  Four- 
teenth Day  of  August,  Anno  Domini,  1744. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a 
written  Vote,  and  the  Votes  being  collected  it  Appeared  that  James 
Allen  Esqr.  was  Chosen. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Twenty  Sixth  of  June  last,  to 
prepare  the  Draft  of  a  Letter  proper  to  be  Sent  to  the  Agents  to 
Inform  them  what  the  Town  have  further  done  relating  to  their 
Controversy  with  Abraham  Francis  and  others,  Reported  that, 
they  had  accordingly  prepared  the  same  which  was  Read  &  is  to 

Stand  in  the  Words  following Vizt. 

Boston  August.     1744. 
Gentlemen, 

Upon  Receipt  of  Mr.  Palmer's  Letters  of  the  18th.  of 
February  &  9th.  of  March  last,  the  Selectmen  Warned  the  Town  to 
meet,  specially  to  Consider  of  the  Affair  of  Mr.  Francis  and  others, 
their  Controversy  with  the  Town,  in  its  present  Situation  and 
Circumstances,  and  according,  j  the  Town  met,  as  You  See  (by 
the  Votes  now  Sent)   Once   and  again,  and  after  large    Debates 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1744.  57 

&  long  Deliberation,  they  came  to  the  Resolution  of  Adhering  to 
their  former  Instructions,  without  so  much  as  One  Vote  to  the 
Contrary,  when  the  Negative  was  put,  which  You  See  is  particu- 
larly exprest  in  the  Record  of  the  Vote. 

We  Observe  what  Mr.  Palmer  Says,  that  the  Lords  of  Council 
[48.]  Refused  to  hear  any  pleading  upon  the  Petition  of  the 
Council  &  Assembly  of  the  Province,  It  is  possible  it  might  be 
tho't  Needless  or  improper  to  Argue  a  point  that  a  particular 
Cause  then  depending,  wou'd  be  much  Affected  by,  before  that 
cause  came  on,  but  however  that  may  have  been,  We  must  press 
You,  that  in  a  decent  humble  manner.  You  insist  on  Our  being 
heard  on  Our  pleas  in  Bar,  because,  if  We  are  refused,  there  are 
Several  pleas  beside  those  from  the  Charter,  which  respect  the  false 
representations  &  Abuses  put  upon  the  Town,  in  the  Petition,  that 
bro't  on  the  Order  for  an  Appeal,  which  will  escape  being  heard 
also,  and  which,  if  they  are  heard,  will,  We  doubt  not,  prove 
very  clearly,  that  there  is  Nothing  in  the  last  Petition,  that  was 
Accepted  different  from  the  former,  that  was  rejected,  but  False- 
hoods. 

We  hope  the  light,  in  which  We  Set  the  Affair  of  Chusiug  You 
Agents  for  the  Town,  jointly  &  Severally  &  their  other  proceed- 
ings, has  Satisfied  Mr.  Kilby,  that  he  had  not  Occasion  given  him 
by  the  Town,  for  so  much  Resentment  and  such  harsh  Expressions 
in  his  Letter  of  the  Eleventh  of  March  last,  or  to  refuse  the  Agency, 
and  therefore  that  he  will  readily  do  all  in  his  power,  to  Serve  Us 
in  this  important  Affair. 

And  after  a  Short  Debate  thereon 


Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted  &  that  the  Selectmen  be  and 
hereby  are  directed  to  Sign  the  same  in  behalf  of  the  Town  &  for- 
ward it  to  the  Agents  by  the  first  Opportunity. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Petition  of  a 
Number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  to  the  Selectmen  Setting 
forth,  That  the  Taxes  Assessed  upon  the  Town  are  so  very  Bur- 
thensome,  that  many,  even  of  the  Richest  of  the  Inhabitants  are 
groaning  under  the  Weight  of  them  &  they  Apprehended  with 
great  reason That  the  Middling  Sort  of  People  are  daily  de- 
creasing many  of  them  Sinking  into  extream  Poverty That 

not  only  the  Trade  is  visibly  decreasing,  but  many  honest  Trades- 
men  are  without  Employ,  the    Trade  of  Building  Houses  being 

in  a  manner  Stagnated,  as  well  as   that  of  Building  Ships 

That  in  the  last  Supply  Bill  made  by  the  General  Assembly,  the 
Funds  are  laid  within  the  Year.  1746,  and  the  Taxes  made  for  the 
same,  whereby  they  Apprehend  the  [49.]  Succeeding  Assemblys 
are  foreclosed  granting  the  People  any  Relief,  as  in  the  Year. 
1741.  when  the  Burthen  was  so  great  (Occasioned  by  the  Expedi- 
tion to  the  Spanish  West  Indies)  as  that  the  General  Court  looked 
on  themselves  bound  in  Compassion  to  their  People,  to  Postpone 
the  Funds  to  some  further  time,  which,  had  the  Taxes  been  made 

as   now,  could   not  have  been  done Wherefore   this  being  a 

Matter  of  the  greatest  Consequence  to  the  Province  in  general. 
&  the  Town  of  Boston  in  particular,  the  Petitioners  prayed  the 
Selectmen  would  grant  a  Warrant  to  Convene  the  Town  to  give 


58  City  Document  No.    170. 

Instructions  to  their  Representatives  relating  to  the  next  Supply 
Bill,  or  any  other  Articles  of  Importance,  if  the  Town  See  cause. 
And  After  a  Considerable  Debate,  thereon,  It  was 
Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  to  Draw  up  Instructions 
for  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  relating  to  the  Several  Mat- 
ters mentioned  in  said  Petition,  and  that  said  Committee  be 
directed  therein  Strongly  to  Urge  that  the  Representatives  Use 
their  best  Endeavours  to  have  the  Funds  put  beyond  the  Year.  1746. 
Also  that  the  Taxes  be  not  laid  at  the  same  time  the  Treasury 
is  Supplyed,  but  that  it  be  left  to  Succeeding  Assemblys  to  do  the 
same,  and  that  it  be  an  Article  in  said  Instructions  that  the  Re- 
presentatives also  Endeavour  that  We  have  some  Relief  as  to  Our 

proportion  of  the  Publick  Taxes and  then 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons,  And 
accordingly, 

Ezekiel  Lewis  ^ 

Samuel  Welles 

James  Allen  y  Esq". 

Samuel  Adams  & 

Abiel  Walley  J 

were  Chosen  to  be  the  said  Committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid, 
and  they  are  desired  to  make  Report  of  their  doings  herein  at  the 
next  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[50.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the 
Twenty  fifth  Day  of  September,  Anno  Domini,  1744. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

James  Allen  Esqr.  was  Chosen  Moderator  (by  a  written  Vote) 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  praying  That  Faneuil  Hall 
Market  may  be  Opened  on  Saturdays  in  the  Afternoon  &  on  the 
whole  of  those  Days  preceeding  Thanksgiving  and  Fast  Days 
Read. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  that  a  Committee  may 
be  now  Chosen  b}r  the  Town  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  the  Com- 
mittee that  were  Appointed  for  Building  the  Batterys. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  fourteenth  of  August  last  to  draw 
up  Instructions  to  be  given  to  the  Repi"esentatives  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  having  Attended  that  Service,  now  made  Report  of  a 
Draft  they  had  prepared,  in  the  following  Words,  Vizt. 

To  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  Mr.  Timothy  Prout 
Thomas  Hutchinson  &  Andrew  Oliver  Esqrs. 
Gentlemen, 

We  have  in  Confidence  of  your  firm  Attachment  to 
the  Interest  of  the  Province  in  general  &  of  this  Town  in  particular, 
Chosen  You  to  Represent  &  Act  for  Us,  this  Critical  Year  in  the 
Great  &  General  Court,  and  as  We  hereby  put  Our  Lives  &  Estates 
into  your  hands  and  do  You  the  highest  Honour  in  Our  power,  by 
placing  in  You  the  highest  Trust,   We  Apprehend  it  Our  Duty, 


Boston   Town  Eecords,   1744.  59 

.according  to  the  Example  of  Our  Mother  Countrey  &  frequent 
Practice  of  this,  to  Let  You  know  Our  Sentiments  and  Inclinations 
in  some  Affairs  of  great  Importance  to  the  Province,  but  particularly 
to  this  Town. 

[1.]  We  would  especially  Recommend  to  Your  Care,  the 
manner  of  Supplying  the  Treasury,  We  need  not  Observe  how 
much  the  two  Succeeding  Years  are  loaded  with  Taxes,  already 
laid,  &  therefore  how  Oppressive  it  will  be  to  increase  the 
Burthen,  already  almost  insupportable  by  laying  any  of  the 
extraordinary  Charges  of  the  War  on  those  Two  Years,  for  either 
it  must  be  Concluded,  when  You  make  the  Promise,  to  Neglect  and 
break  it,  or  to  ruin  the  [51.]  Province,  both  which,  We  trust  you 
would  be  far  from,  &  therefore  We  direct  &  Urge  that  you  would 
take  the  third  and  only  practical  Method  of  laying  the  Funds,  on 
some  future  Unincumbred  Years  ;  and  this  is  Agreeable  to  the 
Usage  of  all  Wise  States,  so  to  Order  their  Affairs,  that  the  great 
&  Excessive  Charge  of  War,  may  be  defrayed  and  paid  in  the 
Days  of  Peace,  when  the  People  are  at  Leisure  to  Till  the  Ground, 
and  may  with  Safety,  Suck  of  the  Abundance  of  the  Seas :  and 
not  make  Grim  and  Savage  War,  look  yet  more  terrible,  by  Volun- 
tarily &  Wantonly  Adding  the  Ghastly  Visage  of  Hunger  &  Naked- 
ness. 

2.  We  would  further  press  You  to  Use  your  best  Endeavours, 
that  the  Taxes  be  not  laid  when  the  Supply  of  the  Treasury  is 
made,  but  that  future  Assemblys  (who  will  best  know  the  Circum- 
stances and  Ability  of  the  Province)  may  have  the  Opportunity  of 
Consulting  the  Safety  and  Weal  of  the  Publick,  of  which  right, 
they  ought  by  no  means  to  be  debarred,  We  are  Sensible  that  in 
times  past,  there  have  been  some  Mistakes  made,  from  which 
Inconveniences  have  arisen,  which  might  have  been  prevented,  had 
the  Taxes  been  laid  irrevocably  when  the  Funds  were  Agreed  on  ; 
but  We  had  not  then  the  Experience  We  now  have,  of  the  Nature 
and  operation  of  Bills  of  Credit ;  Nevertheless  howsoever  that 
might  have  been,  We  cannot  Suppose,  because  in  some  extraordi- 
nary times,  when  a  Party  Spirit  has  run  high,  there  have  been 
some  Abuses  of  Our  Liberties  and  Priviledges  that  therefore  AVe 
should  in  a  Servile  manner  give  them  all  up.  And  have  Our  Bread 
&  Water  measured  out  to  Us  by  those  Who  Riot  in  Luxury  & 
Wantonness  on  Our  Sweat  &  Toil  and  be  told  perhaps  by  them, 
that  We  are  too  happy,  because  We  are  not  reduced  to  Eat  Grass 
with  the  Cattle. 

3.  We  must  further  direct  You,  to  Use  your  Interest,  that  this 
Town  be  Abated  in  their  proportion  of  the  Publick  Taxes  as  now 
Assessed ;  As  Trade  and  Navigation  abroad  &  Ship  building 
ashoi*e  are  the  business  of  the  Town  and  means  to  enable  them  to 
pay,  when  these  fail,  as  it  is  visible  they  all  do,  since  the  French 
War  :  especially  Building  of  Ships  which  is  almost  wholly  Ceased, 
Our  Proportion  of  the  Taxes  must  Abate  &  Cease  accordingly,  or 
we  must  make  Brick  without  Straw. 

4.  We  further  expect,  as  You  regard  the  good  of  Town  oi 
Country,  that  you  will  be  very  watchful,  and  do  all  in  your  power, 
that  none   [5^?.]    Who  have  a  Visible  Temptation  to  Prostitute 


60  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  Publick  Interest  and  Treasure,  to  Serve  their  own,  may  be  im- 
proved or  have  Opportunity  given  them  for  it ;  We  also  desire  You 
carefully  to  Avoid  men,  Who  from  a  Mean  &  Servile  Complaisance 
to  those  in  power,  would  Complement  away  Our  Estates  &  Liber- 
ties nor  let  these  despicable  Tools,  from  the  Supple  &  Contemptible 
figure  they  make,  be  tho't  below  your  Care  or  Notice,  Remember 
that  great  Mischief  may  arise,  from  the  deceitful  Cringing  & 
fawning  of  the  Spaniel,  as  well  as  from  the  Polluted  and  Rapacious 
Jaws  of  the  Mastiff. 

The  aforewritten  Draught,  is  what  We  Apprehend  the  Town 
inclines,  should  be  given  the  Representatives  as  their  Instructions  ; 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted, 

by  Eze:    Lewis 
Samuel  Welles 
J  a".  Allen 
Samuel  Adams 
Abiel  Wallet. 

The  said  Report  having  been  Read  Several  times. 

After  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  That  the  same  be  Considered 
of  Paragraph  by  Paragraph,  And  thereupon  the  First  Paragraph 
was  Read  &  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted  ; 

Then  the  Second  Paragraph  being  Read 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Amended  by  having  the  Words  at  the 
Close  thereof  Vizt.  ' '  And  have  Our  Bread  &  Water  measured  out 
to  Us  by  those  who  Riot  in  Luxury  &  Wantonness  on  Our  Sweat 
&  Toil  and  be  told  perhaps  by  them  that  We  are  too  happy, 
because  We  are  not  reduced  to  Eat  Grass,  with  the  Cattle."  en- 
tirely Obliterated. 

And  then  the  Third  Paragraph  was  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted. 

And  then  the  Fourth  Paragraph  was  Read and  Voted,  That 

the  whole  thereof  be  Obliterated 

And  then  the  said  Draft  (as  Amended)  was  Read  &  thereupon, 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  be  and  hereby  is  directed  and 
Ordered  to  Deliver  an  Attested  Copy  thereof  to  each  of  the  Gentle- 
men the  Representatives  of  the  Town  of  Boston  as  the  Instructions 
of  the  said  Town. 

[53.]  The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that 
Faneuil  Hall  Market  may  be  Opened  on  Saturdays  in  the  After- 
ternoon  &  on  the  whole  Day  before  the  Thanksgiving  &  Fast 
Days,  was  Read  again,  And  after  some  Debate, 

Voted,  That  the  said  Petition  be  Dismissed. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  desired  to  withdraw  the  Motion  he  made  at 
the  Opening  of  this  Meeting,  for  having  a  Committee  Chosen  to 
Audit  the  Accompts  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Build  the 
Batterys,  being  Informed  that  the  said  Committee  had  not  as  yet. 
received  in  all  the  Accots.  for  Building  the  same. 

The  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants,  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  &  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick  Town 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1744.  61 

Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  Thirty  first 
Day  of  January,  A.D.  1744. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.     Read. 

James  Allen  Esqr.  was  Chosen  Moderator  (by  a  handy  Vote.) 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Petition  of 
a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  to  the  Selectmen  for  Calling  this 
Meeting,  Setting  forth  that  the  Inhabitants  labour  under  a  great 
Load  of  Taxes  which  on  the  Acco'.  of  the  War  is  like  to  be  En- 
creased,  that  the  Collectors  are  greatly  in  Arrear  with  the  Province 
Treasurer,  &  are  Solliciting  that  the  Tax  Books  for  the  Year.  1744. 
may  be  put  into  their  hands,  praying  the  Selectmen  would  not 
deliver  'em  said  Tax  Books  until  the  Town  should  Advise  thereon, 
And  after  some  Debate  thereon,  the  Treasurer  inform'd  the  Town 
that  he  Apprehended  the  Several  Collectors  had  paid  off  (including 
their  own  Fees)  the  whole  they  were  Indebted  to  the  Town,  that 
he  now  had  Draughts  made  upon  him  by  the  Selectmen  and  Over- 
seers of  the  Town  for  Several  Thousand  Pounds  Old  Tenor,  &  that 
there  is  no  Money  in  the  Treasury  to  Discharge  them,  And  if  the 
Town  would  not  deliver  to  the  Collectors  Elect,  the  said  Tax  Books 
for  the  Year.  1744.  they  would  take  some  other  Method  to  have  the 
Treasury  Supply ed  in  Order  to  pay  off  said  Draughts. 

Whereupon  it  was  Moved  and  accordingly Voted  That  the 

Assessors  Deliver  the  Tax  Books  to  the  Town  Treasurer,  &  that 
such  of  [54.]  The  Inhabitants  as  shall  pay  to  said  Treasurer  their 
Tax  for  the  Year.  1 744.  at  any  time  before  March  Meeting  shall 
be  Allowed  at  the  time  of  Payment  Five  Pounds  on  the  Hundred 
&  so  in  proportion  for  any  greater  or  less  Sum  he  shall  pay  in  and 
that  the  Treasurers  Receipt  for  said  Tax  shall  Sufficiently  Dis- 
charge the  Person  paying  the  same. 

Afterwards  Several  of  the  Inhabitants  (Apprehending  great 
Inconveniences  may  Arise  by  this  Method)  Moved  That  the  said 

Vote  may  be  Reconsidered,  which  was  Voted  accordingly And 

that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  for  a  few  Days  &  that  the  Town 
then  take  into  Consideration  the  said  Motion,  &  Act  thereon  as 
they  think  proper 

Also  Voted  That  the  Several  Collectors  bring  in  at  the  said 
Adjournment  a  List  of  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons  as  have  not 
paid  in  their  Taxes  for  the  Year.  1743. 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  Four- 
teenth of  February  next  at  Three  o'Cloek  in  the  Afternoon. 

February  14th.  1744.  Thursday  Afternoon  at  Three  o'Cloek.  The 
Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

And  immediately  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the 
Motion  made  at  the  beginning  of  this  Meeting  &  refer'd  over  to 
this  time  to  be  Acted  upon,  Vizt.  That  such  of  the  Inhabitants  as 
shall  pay  to  the  Town  Treasurer  their  Tax  for  the  Year.  1744.  at 
any  time  before  March  Meeting  shall  be  Allowed  at  the  time  of 
Payment  Five  Pounds  on  the  Hundred  &  so  in  proportion  for  any 
greater  or  less  Sum  that  shall  be  paid  in  &c.  And  after  a  long 
Debate  thereon 

The  Town  Apprehending  That  Difficulties  would  Attend  Com- 


62  City  Document  No.   170. 

mitting  at  this  time  the  Tax  Books  to  the  Collectors  for  the  present 
Year  but  yet  that  it  is  of  Necessity  a  Considerable  Sum  of  Money 
Sho'd  be  immediately  raised  for  defraying  the  Expences  of  the 
Town. 

It  was  Moved  &  accordingly  Voted  That  any  Person  or  Persons 
Taxed  the  present  Year  who  will  Lend  the  Town  Treasurer  at  any 
time  before  the  Twentieth  of  March  next  any  Sum  or  Sums  of 
Money  to  Answer  the  present  Exigencies  shall  be  Allowed  Five 
p  Cent  on  the  Sum  so  Lent,  The  Principal  &  Premium  to  be  Dis- 
counted by  the  Collectors  out  of  their  said  Tax  when  Committed  to 
them. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


[55.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualifyed  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
twenty  fifth  day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1745. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mf.  John  Webb. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  The 
Honble.  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen,  then 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  (by  a  written  Vote)  was  unanimously  chose 
Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  sworne  to  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  his  Duty  in  that  Office  by  Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 

Sundry  Laws, Read. 

Sundry  Petitions. Read Viz'. 

Of  Isaac  Peirce,  for  an  additional  allowance  for  ringing  the  Old 
North  Bell. 

Of  Benjamin  Church's,  praying  Wheelers  Pond  may  be  recon- 
vey'd  to  him. 

Of  John  Fenno,  that  he  may  be  appointed  Master  of  the  Gran- 
ary.  

Of  John  Roulston,  praying  he  may  have  the  priviledge  of  dig- 
ing  Graves  with  other  Sextons. 

Of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook,  Master  of  the  South  Writing  School, 
praying  his  former  petition  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  may  be 
now  Considered,  and  Acted  upon 

Of  Mr.  Samuel  White,  Usher  of  the  North  Grammar  School, 
praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

[56.]  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  a  Motion  made  by  him  that 
some  Method  may  be   taken  to  prevent   Negroes  keeping  Hogs. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  that  as  the  Old  Brick 
Church  Bell  which  for  many  years  past  has  been  rung  at  five  and 
eleven  a  Clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  nine  in  the  Evening  is  now 
broke,  the  Town  would  now  direct  that  the  old  South  Church  Bell 
shall  be  rung  at  those  hours. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Hopestill  Foster,  that  another  place  for 
the  Burial  of  the  Dead  may  be  provided  at  the  South  part  of  the 
Town. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1745.  63 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Willis,  that  some  Method  may 
be  taken  to  prevent  the  firing  of  Chimneys. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Robert  Raacl ;  That  the  Town  would  de- 
termine whether  the  Fines  arising  on  any  persons  refusing  to  Serve 
in  the  Office  to  which  he  is  chosen,  shall  be  paid  in  bills  of  the 
old  tenor,  or  the  same  sum  in  lawful  money. 

A  Motion  made  by  the  Selectmen,  that  the  Town  would  Con- 
sider of  some  Method  to  Improve  the  Marsh  at  the  bottom  of  the 
Common  in  such  manner  as  will  be  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the 
Town. 

The  Selectmen  Informed  the  Town  that  the  Lease  made  to 
Stephen  Minot  Esqr.  of  certain  Lands  ou  the  Neck  is  now  Expired 
and  as  the  Selectmen  cannot  (by  a  Vote  of  the  Town)  Lease  out 
any  Lands  for  any  longer  space  than  Seven  years,  they  apprehend 
it  will  be  a  great  disadvantage  to  the  Town  if  they  are  Confin'd 
to  Lease  out  these  Lands  for  no  longer  term  praying  the  Towns 
Consideration  thereof. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  Inform'd  the 
Town  that  he  was  much  Obliged  to  them  for  the  Honour  [57.] 
Done  him  in  choosing  him  a  Selectman  for  several  years  past,  that 
he  found  his  own  private  affairs  would  not  permit  him  to  Serve  the 
Town  in  that  Office  any  longer,  and  therefore  desired  that  when 
the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Selectmen  for  the  ensuing 
year,  his  name  may  not  be  put  into  the  List. then 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen  The  Votes 
being  accordingly  brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared  that  Six 
Selectmen  only  were  chose.  Viz'. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr. 
Jonas  Clarke  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Hancock 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
Cap'.  John  Steel 
Mr.  William  Salter 

Whereupon  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  another  Selectman,  and  they  being  accordingly  brought  in,  & 
Sorted  it  appeared  that. 

Cap'.  Henry  Atkins,  was  chose. 
The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Robert  Rand  relating  to  the  Fines 
to  be  paid  by  those  persons  who  refuse  to  Serve  in  the 
respective  Offices,  to  which  they  are  chosen,  now  came  under 
Consideration,  and  after  some  debate,  Voted,  that  any  person  or 
persons  chosen  to  any  office  in  the  Town  for  the  year  ensuing, 
who  in  case  of  refusal  is  obliged  to  pay  any  Fine  or  penalty ;  be 
Excused  from  Serving  in  such  Office,  provided  he  or  they  pay 
their  respective  fines  in  bills  of  the  old  tenor,  as  the  several 
persons  did,  who  were  the  last  year  chose,  and  refused  to  Serve 

Voted,  that  a  number  of  persons  be  chose  specially  to  Collect 
the  Taxes,  separate  from  the  Constables. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  three  a  Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

[58.]     The  Town  being  mett  according  to  Adjournment. 


V 


Selectmen. 


64 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Voted,  to  choose  twelve  Constables  distinct  from  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  accordingly. 

Mess".  James  Perkins 

William  Molineaux 
Daniel  Willard 


paid  last  year.  ^ 
paid  in  1741 
Pay. 
Sworne. 
Pay. 
Sworne. 
Sworne. 
paid  in  1736 


}■  Constables. 


1 


Overseers 
Poor. 


of  the 


William  Bowen 
Thomas  Flucker 
Moses  Deshon 
Simeon  Skilling 
Gamaliel  Wallis 
William  Wait  Wallis  Excus'd. 
Dean  Osgood  Pay. 

Tuttle  Hubbard  Pay. 

Benjamin  Bagnal  junr  Pay. 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  County  Treasurer, 
—  and  Collectors  of  Taxes  to  morrow  at  Eleven  a  clock. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for 
the  year  ensuing  —  Viz4. 

The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr 
William  Tyler  Esqr. 
Col°.  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  Twelve 

Col0.  William  Downe 
Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
Cap'.  John  Phillips 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
George  Rogers  Esqr. 
Mr:  Ebenezer  Storer 
were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  poor.  &c. 

[59.]     Messrs.  Andrew  Hall  Junr.  Excus'd. 

Farr  Tolman.  Pay. 

James  Gough.  Pay. 

Thomas  Kimball.  Sworne. 

Prince  Sturgis.  Pay 

William  Vintenon.         Sworne. 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Richard  Buckley  ") 
Joshua  Blanchard  j 
Jacob  Parker  j 

Daniel  Pecker  )>  Assessors. 

William  Fairfield 
Nathaniel  Barber 
Joseph  Fitch 

were  chose  Assessors  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  John  Roulstone  Sexton  of  the  old  South  Church 
praying  that  he  may  have  the  Right  &  Priviledge  granted  him  of 
diging  Graves  in  the  South  Burying  places  as  Mess™.  Moulin 
Band  &  Williston  Sextons  of  the  other  Churches  have  ;  now  came 


)■  Constables, 
i 
I 
J 


Boston  Town  Records,  1745.  65 

under  Consideration  and  after  some  debate  thereon,  Voted  That 
Liberty  be  &  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  said  John  Roulston  to  dig 
Graves  in  said  Burying  Places  accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Benjamin  Church  praying  that  the  Pond  comonly 
called  Wheelers  Pond  at  the  South  End  may  be  Conveyed  to  him 
by  the  Town,  was  read,  and  thereupon  Voted  That  the  Selectmen 
be  &  hereby  are  desired  to  take  the  Subject  matter  of  said  Petition 
&  the  Circumstances  of  the  same  into  Consideration,  and  report 
what  they  think  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon,  at  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Isaac  Peiree  Sexton  of  the  old  north  Church 
praying  an  Additional  Allowance  may  be  made  him  for  ringing 
[60.]  The  Bell  there,  was  read,  and  thereupon  Voted  that  the 
prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  refer'd  to  the  Selectmen,  they  to  Act 
thereupon  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

The  Motion  of  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  made  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting,  that  the  Old  South  Church  Bell  may  be  rung  at  the  hours 
of  5.  11  &  9  a  Clock  instead  of  the  old  Church  bell  which  is  now 
broke,  came  under  Consideration,  and  after  some  debate  thereon 
Voted  that  the  said  Bell  be  accordingly  rung  at  those  hours  until 
the  Bell  of  the  old  Church  be  mended  and  that  the  Selectmen 
give  directions  accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  Master  of  the  South  Writ- 
ing School  (referr'd  over  to  this  time)  Setting  forth  that  his  Salary 
which  is  now  but  Two  hundred  pounds  a  year  old  tenor,  is  not 
sufficient  for  his  Support  and  maintenance,  and  as  it  is  his  main 
dependence  he  prays  the  Town  would  Consider  the  same  and  grant 
him  such  a  Competency  for  his  Subsistence  as  may  Encourage  him 
further  to  Serve  the  Town  in  the  Station  he  now  Sustains  ;  was 
now  Read  and  after  a  short  debate  thereon  Voted  that  the  Sum  of 
One  Hundred  Pounds  old  Tenor  bills  p  Annum  be  added  to  Mr. 
Holbrooks  Salary,  the  same  to  Commence  on  the  Twenty  second 
instant,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  give  drafts  on  the 
Treasury  for  the  same  from  time  to  time  accordingly,  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly. 

The  Petition  of  John  Procter  junr.  Usher  of  the  North  Writing 
School  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  was  read  and  after 
some  debate  Voted  that  the  sum  of  Thirty  pounds  p  Annum  old 
tenor  bills  be  added  to  his  Salary  the  same  to  Commence  on  the 
Twenty  second  day  of  February  last,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  and 
hereby  are  desired  to  give  drafts  on  the  Treasuiy  for  the  same  from 
time  to  time  accordingly,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly. 

[61.]  The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  Master  of  the 
Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  (refer'd  over  to  this  time)  praying 
for  an  addition  to  his  Salary  was  now  read,  &  after  some  debate 
thereon,  Voted  that  the  same  be  further  refer'd  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Town  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  White  Usher  of  the  North  Grammar 
School  (referr'd  over  to  this  time)  praying  for  an  addition  to  his 
Salary  was  now  read,  and  after  some  debate  thereon,  Voted  the 
same  be  further  referr'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  Several  of  the  Inhabitants 


6$ 


City  Document  No.  170. 


It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to 
Visit  the  several  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  particularly  Enquire 
into  their  State  &  Circumstances,  and  the  proficiency  of  the 
Scholars  that  attend  at  said  Schools,  and  report  thereon  as  soon 
as  may  be. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  by  the  Selectmen  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting  relating  to  leasing  out  the  Lands  &  Marsh  on  the  Neck 
&ca. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  &  Impow- 
ered  to  Lease  out  the  Towns  Lands  and  Marsh  on  the  Neck  to  such 
Person  or  Persons,  at  such  Rents,  and  for  such  time  as  they  shall 
think  most  for  the  Interest  and  Advantage  of  the  Town  not  ex- 
ceeding twenty  one  years,  and  that  they  also  Lease  out  the  Marsh 
Land  at  the  bottom  of  the  Common  for  a  term  not  exceeding  Forty 
years,  the  Town  Vote  or  Order  made  &  pass'd  the  13th:  of  March 
A.D.  1732.  to  the  contrary  thereof  notwithstanding. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  till  tomorrow  morning  9. 
a  Clock. 


Tuesday  Morning,  9.  a  Clock,  the  Town  Mett  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  Petition  of  John  Fenno  praying  he  may  be  chosen  or  ap- 
pointed Master  or  keeper  of  the  Granary,  read  at  the  Opening  of 
the  Meeting  was  now  read  again,  and  thereupon  the  Selectmen 
Inform'd  the  Town  that  Mr.  Willoughby  the  present  Master  of  the 
Granary  who  had  the  Misfortune  the  last  Summer  to  break  one  of 
his  Legs,  [62.]  Was  in  hopes  he  should  be  able  to  attend  the 
Service  again  in  May  next,  Whereupon  It  was  Voted  that  the 
Choice  of  a  Master  of  the  Granary  be  referr'd  to  May  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  Made  &  Seconded,  It  was  Voted That  no 

person  that  has  been  chosen  a  Constable  within  Ten  years 

shall  be  now  chosen  again. 

Messrs.  William  Clough  Pay 

Simon  Eliot  Sworne 
Eneas  Mackey  Excus'd 
Elias  Thomas       Sworne 


>   Constables. 


Nathan  Simpson  Sworne 

Peter  Roberts      Sworne 
were  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing 
Messrs.  Nathaniel  Barber     Sworne 

Thomas  Salter  Sworn. 

Nathaniel  Gardner  Sworn 

William  Merchant  Sworne 

John  Darrell 

Thomas  Stoddard    Sworn 

Joseph  Bradford      Sworn 

Samuel  Parkman      Sworn 

John  Greenough       Sworn 

Samuel  Holland        Sworn 

William  Palfrey 

Alexander  Sears       Sworn, 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing. 


)■  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1745. 


67 


Fence  Viewers. 


Mess".  Josiah  Carter 

Samuel  Hastings 
James  Dawson 
William  Currier  )■  Sealers  of  Leather. 

John  Allen 
Nathaniel  Hodgdon 
Robert  Williams 
were  chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  year  Ensuing. 

[63.]   Messrs.  James  Tilestone  ^ 

John  Lewis  Vintenon    j 

Francis  Warden 

William  Bearsto  [ 

William  Moore 

Joshua  Thornton  J 

were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Jonathan  Payson     ^ 

Daniel  Ray 

John  Harris 

Knight  Leverett 

Jabez  Hunt 

Nicholas  Salisbury 

John  Hunt  junr. 

John  Cravath 

Joseph  Roby 

Ellis  Wilson 

John  Tayler 

Henry  Newell 

were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  year  ensuing 

Mr.  Isaac  Gridley. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Gardner 

Richard  Hubbard 
Mr.  Samuel  Cow  ell.     Hay  ward. 
The  Selectmen.     Surveyors  of  Highways 
Messrs.  John  Scottow       ^ 


>-  Scavingers. 


Surveyor  of  Hemp. 
Informers  of  Deer  &ca. . 


Joseph  Webb 


)■  Hogreeves. 


George  Skinner 
Robert  Wlliams    J    Baker 
were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Nothing  done  thereon. 

[64.]  Mess".  Harvey  Thomas 
John  Hobbs 
Thomas  Serjeant 
Benjamin  Ballard 
Isaac  Fowles 
Sendal  Williams 
Benjamin  Sault 
James  Alexander 
Joseph  Dyer 
Joseph  Ingraham 
were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  year  ensuing. 


>  Cullers  of  Staves 


Shingles  &ca 


68  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mess".  Jeremiah  Gushing 

John  Adams  N°.  End 

Thomas  Craft 

Edward  Moberly 

Joseph  White 

William  Paine  viewers     of     Boards, 

Edward  Richards  rWt„,i«  &<» 

William  Brown  junr. 

James  Barnard 

Isaac  Vergoose 

William  Parkman 

Ebenezer  dishing 

Thomas  Warden 

were  chose  Viewers  of  Boards  Shingles  &ca.  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Mess-.  Jeremiah  Belknap  |  were  choge  Comtee .  forPurchasi 
Samuel  Bndgham  V  Grain 

John  Salter  ) 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all  need- 
ful directions  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary,  respecting  the  Quan- 
titys  of  Grain  sold,  and  Setting  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time 
as  occasion  shall  require. 

[65.]  The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Clerk 
of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  and  upon  Collecting  'em,  it  appeared  that 

Mr.  John  Staniforcl  was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded,  It  was  unanimously  Voted 
that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Thomas  Hutchinson 
Esqr.  for  the  great  and  faithful  Services  by  him  done  for  the  Town 
in  Transacting  and  managing  the  Affairs  thereof  as  one  of  the 
Selectmen  for  Several  years  past. 

The  Selectmen  Informed  the  Town  that  the  Two  hundred  &  Fif- 
teen Fire  Arms  given  to  the  Town  by  the  honble.  Col0.  Thomas  Fitch 
decd.  were  lately  Impressed  by  the  Government  for  the  Service  of 
the  present  Expedition  against  Cape  Breton  ;  and  then  laid  before 
the  Town  a  Letter  they  had  received  from  the  Committee  of  War 
relating  to  said  Fire  Arms,  &  their  Answer  to  the  same,  as  also  a 
Memorial  they  had  preferr'd  to  his  Excellency  the  Captain  General 
praying  said  Fire  Arms  may  not  be  Impressed  &ca. desir- 
ing the  direction  of  the  Town  as  to  their  further  proceedings  in 
this  Matter,  Whereupon  after  some  Debate  It  was  Voted  that  the 
Selectmen  be  &  hereby  are  desired  forthwith  to  Apply  to  the 
Government  or  the  Committee  of  War  to  obtain  of  them  the  full 
Value  of  said  Fire  Arms  and  upon  receiving  the  same  they  are  also 
desired  to  purchase  a  like  Number  of  good  Fire  Arms  &  Bayonets 
in  the  best  &  cheapest  manner  they  can. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer  which  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law  sealed  up 
by  Constable  Thomas  to  be  by  him  kept  &  returned  to  the  next 
Quarter  Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town 
Treasurer  and  upon  Collecting  of  'em  it  appeared  that  the  Honble. 
Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  was  chosen  by  a  great  Majority,  and  he 


Boston  Town  Records,  1745.  69 

-was  accordingly  Sworne  to  a  faithful  discharge  of  his  Duty  in  that 
Office. 

[66.]  Upon  a  Motion  made,  It  was  Voted  that  twelve  Collectors 
be  chose  to  Collect  all  such  Rates  and  Taxes  as  shall  be  Committed 
to  them  the  ensuing  }'ear,  but  this  Vote  being  at  the  desire  of  the 
Inhabitants  immediately  Reconsidered,  It  was  thereupon  Voted 
that  Six  persons  only  be  chose  for  Collecting  all  such  Rates  and 
Taxes  as  shall  be  Committed  to  them  the  ensuing  year.  Also 
Voted  that  nine  pence  on  the  pound  be  and  hereby  is  Allowed  to  be 
paid  to  such  Collectors  as  shall  be  chosen,  for  the  sums  they  shall 
Collect  the  year  ensuing  they  paying  unto  the  Town  Treasurer  one 
half  part  of  the  whole  Sum  they  shall  be  respectively  Obliged  to 
pay  him  within  three  Months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the 
Tax  books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  three 
months  after ;  And  also  paying  to  the  province  Treasurer  one  half 
part  of  the  whole  Sum  they  shall  be  respectively  Obliged  to  pay 
him  in  six  Months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the  said  Books 
from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  Six  Months  after, 
and  in  case  either  of  the  said  Collectors  shall  fail  paying  the 
Province  and  Town  Treasurers  in  the  above  manner,  the  Collector 
so  failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  aforesaid  Allowance  of  nine 
pence  on  the  pound  for  Collecting  but  wholly  forfeit  the  same, 
provided  also  that  the  sd.  Collectors  give  bond  with  sufficient 
Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faithful  Dis- 
charge of  their  Duty  in  said  Office. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Six  Collectors  accord- 
ingly, and  upon  Collecting  and  sorting  the  Votes  it  appeared 
that 

Messrs.  Joseph  "White  Esqr.  sworne.      Harrison  Gray.  Excus'd. 
Elias  Dupee.  sworn.  Joseph  Birch.  Excus'd. 

Benjamin  Edwards  sworn.         Joseph  Prince.  Excus'd. 
were  chosen.     Adjourned  to  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[67.]  Tuesday,  3  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  met 
according  to  Adjournment. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  gave  the  Town  to  Understand  that  he 
was  Informed  that  Several  persons  who  are  lyable  by  Law  to  serve 
as  Constables  had  given  money  to  the  late  Constables  if  they  would 
not  put  their  names  into  the  List  when  the  Choice  came  on.  — 
Whereupon  it  was  Voted  that  said  Constables  should  be  sent  for 
and  they  being  heard  thereupon,  it  appeared  that  the  Information 
given  to  Mr.  Bromfield  was  groundless. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  Several  that   the   Vote 
pass'd  yesterday  for  ringing  the  old  South  bell  at  5.  9.  &  11  a 
Clock  may  be  Reconsidered,  it  was  Voted  accordingly  &  then  it 
was  moved  and  Voted  that  the  Bell  at  Faneuil  Hall  Market  be 
rung  at  those  hours  (instead  of  the  old  South  Church  Bell)  until 
the  Bell  of  the  old  Brick  Church  be  repaired. 
Mess".  Jacob  Emmons  )  Sworne. 
William  Story   j  Sworne. 
were  chose  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing,  v 

Voted  that  the  Consideration  of  raising  Money  be  referr'd  to 
the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 


70  City  Document  No.   170. 

Voted  that  all  the  Business  and  Matters  of  this  Meeting  re- 
maining unfinished  be  referr'd  over  to  the  nest  General  Town 
Meeting,  to  be  then  Considered  of,  and  Acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

[68.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualifyed  &  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Eighth  day  of 
April  Anno  Dom.  —      1745. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read,  and  then,  The  In- 
habitants proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  and 
upon  Collecting  'em  it  appeared  that  the  Honble :  Thomas  Cushing 
Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  and  the 
Constables  Return  thereon  was  read  again,  and  thereby  it  appeared 
that  William  Wait  Wallis  (who  at  the  last  Meeting  was  Chose  a 
Constable  but  upon  Application  by  him  then  made  was  Excus'd) 
sign'd  as  one  of  the  Constables  certifying  that  he  had  warn'd  the 
Inhabitants  living  in  Ward  N°.  3.  but  Several  of  the  Inhabitants 
objecting  to  the  legality  of  the  warning,  and  the  said  Wallis  being 
heard  thereupon  said,  that  notwithstanding  he  was  Excus'd  by  the 
Town  he  apprehending  he  might  serve  as  a  Constable  if  he  in- 
clined went  before  a  Justice  of  the  peace  who  swore  him  into  said 
Office,  &  therefore  it  was  that  he  warned  N°.  3.  but  upon  searching 
the  Records  of  the  last  Town  Meeting,  it  appeared  that  after  he 
was  Excus'd,  another  person  was  chosen  in  his  room,  Whereupon 
it  was  determin'd  that  the  said  Wallis  had  not  legal  power  to 
warn  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Ward  of  this  Meeting,  and  so  the 
Meeting  was  dismissed  for  insufficient  Warning. 

[69.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants, 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualifyed  and  legally  warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the 
twelfth  day  of  April  Anno  Dom.  —      1745. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moder- 
ator and  upon  Collecting'  em  it  appeared  that  the  Honb,e:  Tho3. 
Cushing  Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen. 

The  Petition  of  Messrs.  John  Goldthwait,  John  Staniford  and 
Jacob  Sheafe  Collectors  of  Taxes  &ca.  praying  the  Assessors  may 
be  directed  to  deliver  them  the  Tax  books  for  the  year  1744.  &ca. 
was  read,  thereupon  the  Selectmen  informed  the  Town  that  the 
Assessors  were  under  some  difficulty  relating  to  their  power  in  de- 
livering the  Tax  Books  to  said  Collectors,  praying  the  Town 
would  take  the  same  into  Consideration,  and  give  directions 
therein  to  the  Assessors  accordingly. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  three  Collectors  of 
Taxes  in  the  room  of  Messrs.  Joseph  Prince  Harrison  Gray  & 
Joseph  Birch  who  were  chose  the  last  Meeting,  but  refuse  to  serve, 
accordingly  Messrs:  John  Goldthwait  John  Staniford  &  Jacob 
Sheafe  were  chose  Collectors  of  all  the  Taxes  that  shall  be  com- 
mitted to  them  to  Collect  the  ensuing  year,  they  to  have  the  same 


Boston   Town  Records,   1745.  71 

Allowance  for  Collecting  the  Taxes  as  was  made  to  the  Collectors 
by  the  Town  Vote  of  the  26th.  of  March  last  and  upon  the  same 
Conditions  and  Limitations  as  to  their  paying  in  to  the  Province  & 
Town  Treasurers  the  Sums  they  are  to  gather  in,  and  no  otherwise, 
and  to  give  bond  &ca.  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  by  clivers  of  the  Inhabitants. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Repre- 
sent to  the  Honble.  General  Court  that  the  Assessors  of  this  Town 
for  the  year  1744.  were  Interrupted  in  delivering  the  Assessments 
of  [70.]  That  year  to  the  Collectors  then  chosen,  and  apply  that 
the  said  Assessors  may  be  impowered  (notwithstanding  the  year 
be  expired)  to  commit  the  said  Assessment  to  the  Collectors 
chosen  for  the  present  year,  and  in  case  any  Objection  should  be 
made  to  it,  that  it  be  Recoinended  to  the  Representatives  of  the 
Town  to  Explain  &  Enforce  the  Petition  with  the  proper  reasons. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Monday  the  22d.  inst. 
at  four  aClock  in  the  afternoon  in  order  to  receive  an  answer  from 
the  Collectors  now  chosen  whether  they  will  Serve  or  not. 

Mondaj'  the  22d.  of  April,  four  aClock  in  the  afternoon,  the 
Town  mett  according  to  Adjournment. 

Mess".  John  Goldthwait  &  Jacob  Sheafe  who  were  chose  Col- 
lectors of  Taxes  at  the  last  Meeting  refusing  to  serve,  the  Inhabi- 
tants proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  two  Collectors  in  their 
room,  and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  Mess".  Andrew  Cun- 
ningham &  William  Larrabee  were  chose  Collectors  of  all  such 
Taxes  as  shall  be  Committed  to  them  to  Collect  within  the  ensuing 
year,  they  to  have  the  same  Allowance  for  Collecting  the  Taxes 
as  was  made  to  the  Collectors  by  the  Town  Vote  of  the  26th.  of 
March  last,  &  upon  the  same  Conditions  and  Limitations  as  to 
their  paying  in  to  the  Province  and  Town  Treasurers  the  Sums  they 
are  to  gather  in,  and  no  otherwise,  They  to  give  Bond  &ca.  to  the 
Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  24th. 
inst.  at  four  aClock  in  the  afternoon,  in  order  to  receive  an  Answer 
from  the  Collectors  now  chose  whether  they  will  Serve  or  not. 

Wednesday,  the  24th.  of  April,  four  aClock  in  the  afternoon  the 
Town  mett  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing being  So  indisposed  as  that  he  cannot  attend  the  Business  of 
the  Meeting  [71.]  Voted  that  the  Honble.  Joseph  Wadsworth 
Esqr.  be  Moderator  in  his  room  and  then  the  Selectmen  Inform'd 
the  Town  that  Joseph  White  Esqr.  Mess".  Elias  Dupee,  Benja. 
Edwards,  John  Staniford,  Andrew  Cunningham  &  William 
Larrabee,  who  have  been  chose  Collectors  of  all  such  Taxes  as 
shall  be  Committed  to  them  to  Collect  in  the  ensuing  year,  have 
Accepted  of  that  Office  upon  the  Conditions  mentioned  in  the  Town 
Vote  of  the  2Gth.  of  March  last,  and  had  Each  of  'em  given  bonds 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duty  in  said  Office  accordingly. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded  that  the  three  Collectors  of 
Taxes  Viz'.  Joseph  Prince  Harrison  Gray  &  Joseph  Birch  who 
were  chose  into  that  office  at  the  Town  meeting  in  March  last  and 


72  City  Document  No.  170. 

refus'd  Serving  may  be  Excus'd  from  paying  the  fine  arising  upon 
their  refusal. 

Voted  that  said  Joseph  Prince,  Harrison  Gray  &  Joseph  Birch 
be  Excused  from  paying  said  fine  accordingly. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismissed. 

i 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualifyed  and  lawfully  Warned  in  public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  third  day 
of  May  A.D.  1745. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  .     .     .     Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  One  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  name  pro- 
pos'd  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of 
[72.]  One  of  more  persons  to  Serve  for  and  represent  them  in  a 
Great  &  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon 
Wednesday  the  Twenty  ninth  day  of  May  instant,  and  in  order 
thereto  to  Consider  &  Ascertain  the  Number  to  be  Elected,  ac- 
cordingly Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives, 
and  it  was  declared  that  the  Poll  would  be  Closed  at  twelve 
aClock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  Three  hundred  and  forty  two  &  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared 
that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen.     .    Vizt. 

Votes. 

The  Honble.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr .     175. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr 326. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr 186. 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr 218. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  ended,  and  the  same 
being  declared  by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  choose  a  Moderator,  &  the  Votes 
being  Collected  it  appeared  that  the  Hon.  Edwd.  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
was  chosen. 

A  Petition  of  Francis  Willoughby  keeper  of  the  Granary  Setting 
forth  that  in  May  last,  when  in  the  Service  of  the  Town  at  said 
Granary  he  had  the  Misfortune  to  break  his  Leg  by  a  Fall, 
whereby  he  has  Endured  much  pain,  and  been  put  to  great  Ex- 
pence  for  Doctors  Medicines  &ca.  praying  the  Towns  Considera- 
tion thereof  and  that  some  Allowance  may  be  made  him  in  his 
melancholy  Circumstances  &ca. Read. 

A  Petition  of  John  Staniford,  John  Golclthwait  &  Jacob  Sheafe 
Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  year  1743,  praying  that  the  Assessors 
may  be  Allowed  &  Impowered  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such 
persons  as  Enlisted  in  the  late  Expedition  to  Cape  Breton  that 
did  not  pay  before,  for  reasons  given  in  said  Petition.     Read. 

[73.]  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  moved  that  Instructions  may  be 
given  to  the  Representatives  chose  this  day  that  they  Use  their 
utmost  Endeavours  that  the  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  prolong- 
ing the  time  for  drawing  the  Government  Lottery  and  disposing 
the  Tickets  be  repealed,  and  the  Money  paid  to  the  Managers  for 


Boston   Town  Recoeds,  1745.  73 

the  Tickets  sold  may  be  returned  to  the  possessors  or  purchasers 
of  said  Tickets. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  moved  that  an  order  may  be  passed  for 
ringing  the  old  South  Church  Bell  at  the  hours  of  5.  11.  &  9 
aClock. 

Mr.  Micldlecott  Cooke  moved  that  the  Town  would  make  some 
Consideration  to  the  old  Brick  Church  for  their  Bell  which  was 
lately  broke  as  he  apprehends  in  the  Service  of  the  Town. 

Mr.  Samuel  Parkman  moved  that  the  Town  would  appoint  some 
suitable  place  for  all  lost  Goods  to  be  carry ed  when  found. 

Capt.  John  Steele  moved  that  the  Town  would  give  Orders  that 
the  Sconce  at  the  South  Battery  be  Repaired. 

Joseph  White  Esqr.  one  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  moved  that 
the  Town  would  determine  how  long  time  the  Assessors  should  sit 
upon  Abatements. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn' d  to  3  o'Clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 
Isaiah  Barret.    Sworne. 
was  chose  a  Constable  for  the  year  ensuing. 
John  Holyoke.    Sworne. 
was  chose  one  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmens  Report  on  the  Visitation  of  the  public  Schools, 
Read,  And  Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the 
Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  public  Schools 
the  Ensuing  year  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accom- 
pany them  therein,  as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  report  thereon. 

[74:.]  The  Selectmen  having  mentioned  in  said  Report  that 
they  Apprehend  the  Number  of  Scholars  in  the  North  Grammar 
School  so  small  as  that  there  is  no  Occasion  for  an  Usher,  It  was 
thereupon  Moved  that  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  White  Usher  of 
said  School  preferr'd  last  March  Meeting  &  Continued  to  this  time 
may  be  now  Read,  and  the  same  being  accordingly  done  It  was 
Voted  That  the  said  Usher  Mr.  White  be  Continued  in  said  School 
until  bis  next  Quarter  is  compleat  and  be  paid  as  heretofore,  & 
then  be  discharged,  and  that  there  be  Allowed  him  the  Sum  of 
Thirty  pounds  old  tenor  over  and  above  his  Salary,  as  a  Gratuity 
for  his  Services  in  said  School,  and  that  the  Selectmen  give  him  a 
Draft  for  the  same  on  the  Treasury  accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  preferr'd  at  the  Town  Meeting  in  May  last 
&  Continued  to  this  time,  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary 
was  now  taken  into  Consideration  and  after  Some  Debate  thereon 
A  Question  was  put,  Whether  any  Addition  should  be  made  to 
Mr.  Holyoke's  Salary,  And  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

The  Petition  of  John  Staniford,  John  Goldthwait  &  Jacob 
Sheafe  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  year  1743.  read  at  the  opening 
of  the  Meeting,  now  came  under  Consideration,  and  after  some 
Debate  thereon  It  was  Moved  &  Seconded  by  Several  of  the  In- 
habitants that  a  Committee  may  be  appointed  to  take  from  said 
Collectors  a  List  of  such  persons  as  they  Apprehend  were  not  able 
to  pay  their  Taxes  that  year,  and  present  the  same  to  the  Town  at 


74  City  Document  No.   170. 

their  next  Meeting  for  Consideration,  And  a  Question  being  put, 
Whether  such  a  Committee  should  be  appointed.  Voted  in  the 
Negative. and  that  said  Petition  be  dismissed. 

[75.]  The  Petition  of  Francis  Wil  lough  by  read  at  the  Opening 
of  the  Meeting  praying  some  Allowance  or  Grant  may  be  made 
him  for  the  Misfortune  he  mett  with  in  breaking  his  Leg  in  the 
Service  of  the  Town,  was  now  taken  into  Consideration,  and  after 
some  debate  thereon,  A  Question  was  put,  whether  the  prayer  of 
his  Petition  should  be  granted,  And  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative,  and 
that  said  Petition  be  dismiss'd. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a*  keeper  of  the 
Granary  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Francis  Willougbby  who  has  resigned, 
and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  Mr.  John  Fenno 
was  chosen,  he  to  give  bond  with  good  Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction 
of  the  Selectmen  for  his  good  behaviour  in  that  Office. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  mentioned  to  the  Town  that  he  would  post 
up  the  Treasurers  new  books,  and  that  he  does  not  desire  any 
premium  or  Allowance  for  the  same,  the  Town  accepted  of  his 
kind  offer,  and  Voted  that  he  be  desired  to  take  said  Books  and 
post  'em  up  accordingly. 

The  Motion  of  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  made  in  the  forenoon  that 
Instructions  be  given  to  the  Representatives  this  da}r  chose  that 
they  use  their  utmost  Endeavours  to  have  the  Resolve  of  the 
General  Court  prolonging  the  time  for  drawing  the  Governments 
Lottery  and  disposing  of  the  Tickets  repealed,  and  that  the  Money 
paid  to  the  Managers  of  said  Lottery  for  the  Tickets  sold  be 
return'd  to  the  Possessors  or  Purchasers  of  such  Tickets,  was  now 
taken   into   Consideration,  and   after   some   debate   thereon 

Voted  that  a  Committee  be  chose  to  draw  up  Instructions  for  the 
Representatives  relating  to  said  Lottery  accordingly,  also  Voted 

that James  Allen  Esqr. 

Ezekiel  Lewis  Esqr.  & 
Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen 
be  the  said  Committee  [76.]  Who  are  desired  to  lay  the  draft  of 
their  Instructions  before  the  Town  for  their  Consideration  at  the 
intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Motion  of  Joseph  White  Esqr.  that  the  Town  would  deter- 
mine how  long  time  the  Assessors  should  sit  upon  Abatements  was 
Considered  of,  and  Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are 
allowed  to  sit  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  day  of  September 
next  and  no  longer. 

The  Motion  of  Cap*.  John  Steele  one  of  the  Selectmen,  for 
repairing  the  Sconce  at  the  South  Battery  was  Considered  of,  and 
thereupon  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to 
repair  the  same  in  the  best  manner  they  can. 

The  Motion  of  Mr.  Samuel  Parkman  that  the  Town  would 
appoint  some  suitable  place  for  all  lost  Goods  to  be  carryed  when 
found  was  considered  of,  but  nothing  done  thereon. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn' d  to  Friday  the  17th  Instant, 
at  four  a  Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Friday,  the  17th  of  May  1745.  four  a  clock  in  the  afternoon,  the 
Town  mett  according  to  Adjournment. 


Boston   Town  Records,   1745.  75 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Seventy  five  pounds  bills  of  the  old  tenor 
1  tills  be  and  hereby  is  allowed  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury 
unto  Mr.  John  Staniford  in  full  for  his  Service  as  Clerk  of  Fanenil 
Hall  Market  the  year  past. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  &  Fifty  pounds  old  tenor 
bills  be  and  hereby  is  allowed  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury 
unto  the  Honble  Joseph  Wads  worth  Esqr.  in  full  for  his  Services  as 
Town  Treasurer  the  year  past. 

Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  presented  an  Estimate  of  what  may 
be  proper  for  the  Town  to  Raise  for  Defreying  the  Charges  of  the 
Ensuing  year. 

[77.]  Voted  a  Grant  of  Fifteen  Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor 
bills  to  be  Raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the 
Town  of  Boston  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  neces- 
sary Charges  arising  within  and  for  said  Town  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  Examine  the  Treasurers  Acco'9. 
now  made  their  Report  which  was  Read  &  Accepted,  and  by  order 
put  on  file. 

James  Allen  Esqr.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esqr.  &  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen 
a  Committee  appointed  the  third  instant,  to  draw  up  Instructions 
for  the  Representatives  relating  to  the  Lottery  now  presented  a 
draft  of  Instructions  they  had  prepared,  which  being  read,  A 
Motion  was  thereupon  made,  &  Seconded  by  Several  of  the  In- 
habitants, and  a  Question  put,  whether  the  Town  would  Accept  of 
said  Draft  of  Instructions,  and  it  was  Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams's  Motion  made  the  3d.  instant  and 
Referr'd  to  this  time  for  ringing  the  Bell  of  the  old  South  Church 
at  the  hours  of  —  5, 11,  &  9  a  Clock  was  taken  into  Consideration, 
and  after  some  debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the  said  Bell  be  rung 
at  the  hours  of  five  and  nine  a  Clock,  until  the  Town  shall  order 
otherwise. 

The  List  of  Jurors  for  the  Inferiour  &  Superiour  Courts  being 
prepared  by  the  Selectmen  according  to  a  late  Act  of  this  Prov- 
ince, Voted  that  it  referr'd  to  the  Selectmen  to  put  into  the 
respective  Jury  boxes  of  said  Courts,  the  Names  of  such  persons 
as   they  shall  Judge  qualifyed  to  Serve  as  Jurors  at  said  Courts. 

The  Selectmen  reported  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  Francis  Wil- 
loughby  late  keeper  of  the  Granary,  that  he  had  in  his  hands  as 
the  Towns  Stock  there  Two  hundred  &  twenty  four  Bushels  of 
Indian  Corn,  &  eighteen  Bushels  of  Rye  amounting  to  One  hun- 
dred &  nine  pounds  Sixteen  Shillings,  &  in  Cash  Five  hundred  & 
twenty  four  pounds  nineteen  Shillings  &  three  pence,  being  iu  the 
whole  Six  hundred  &  thirty  four  pounds  fifteen  Shillings  and 
three  pence  old  tenor — ,  which  they  have  delivered  to  Mr.  John 
Fenno,  the  present  keeper  of  the  Granary,  who  is  now  accountable 
to  the  Town  for  the  same, 

[78.]  Voted  that  Joshua  Winslow  Esqr.  Mr.  Thomas  Oxnard, 
John  Wheelwright  Esqr.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Holmes  and  Mr.  Joseph 
Marion  be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accota.  for 
the  year  ensuing  and  make  Report  as  usual.  —  And  that  they  also 
Audit  the  Acco'3.  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the 
Almshouse,  and  the  Workhouse,  and  to  attend  doing  the  same  at 


76  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  usual  place  of  said  Overseers  Meeting,  and  said  Accounts 
being  Audited  the  said  Committee  are  desired  to  make  report 
thereon  as  usual. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualifyed  and  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  tenth  day  of 
September  A.D.  1745. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator 
and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  Thomas 
dishing  Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen. 

The  Inhabitants  then  proceeded  to  Consider  of  the  Affair  men- 
tioned in  the  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  which  was  to  take 
some  Method  to  prevent  Dr.  Sylvester  Gardners  making  a  Hospi- 
tal of  a  house  he  lately  purchased  of  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  situate 

in  Purchase  Street  in  said  Boston . but  they  being  Informed 

that  said  Dr.  Gardner  had  reconveyed  said  house  to  Mr.  Oliver 
again  since  the  issuing  of  said  Warrant  and  that  he  did  not  design 
to  make  a  Hospital  there  as  has  been  Suggested,  the  Inhabitants 
proceeded  no  farther  herein. 

[79.]  Whereupon  a  Motion  was  made  that  the  Town  would 
now  Consider  of  some  Method  to  prevent  any  person  or  persons 
building  or  Improving  any  house  for  the  future  for  an  Hospital  or 
Hospitals  in  this  Town  for  the  reception  of  persons  sick  of  infec- 
tious and  Epidemical  diseases,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It 
was  Voted  That  the  Representatives  of  this  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  desired  at  the  next  Session  of  the  Great  and  General  Court 
to  Use  their  best  Endeavours  that  a  Law  or  Act  may  be  pass'd  to 
prevent  or  prohibit  any  House  or  Buildings  being  Erected  or  Used 
as  an  Hospital  for  the  reception  of  persons  sick  of  infectious  and 
contagious  distempers  within  any  Town  or  Towns  in  this  province 
without  Licence  first  had  and  obtained  therefor  from  the  Selectmen 
of  the  Towns  where  such  Buildings  are  propos'd  to  be  Erected  and 
Used. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  tenth 
day  of  March,  Anno  Domini  1745. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Mather  Byles. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  collecting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  the 
Honble  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr.  was  chosen  by  a  great  majority  and 
an  officer  was  ordered  to  wait  upon  at  his  house  to  Inform  him 
thereof,  who  returned  and  brought  word  from  Mr.  Gushing  that  he 
was  much  indispos'd  and  could  not  Attend  the  Business  of  this 
meeting,  and  thereupon  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in 
their  Votes  for  A  Moderator  in  his  Room  and  they  being  collected 


Boston   Town  HilCokds,   1745.  77 

it  Appeared  that  the  Honble  James  Allen  Esqr.  was  Chosen  by  a 
Considerable  Majority. 

[80.]  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  unanimously  chosen  Town 
Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing,  &  Sworne  to  the  faithfull  Discharge  of 
his  Duty  in  that  Office  by  the  Honble  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 

Sundry  laws Read. 

Sundry  Petitions.     Read. 
Viz4. 

John  Osborne  Esqr.  &  others  relating  to  the  Pavement  at  the 

Lower   End   of    Milk  Street, Mr.  John    Stamford   that   the 

Assessors  for  1745.  may  be  impowered  to  make  him  an  Abatement 
of  former  Taxes  Committed  to  him  to  Collect.— — James  Allen 
Esqr.  for  Liberty  to  remove  his  Gap  at  the  Outwharves  the  wedth 
thereof  northward.  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson  under  master  of  the 
South  Grammar  School  for  an  Addition  to  his  Sallary.  Mr  Abia 
Holbrook,  Master  of  the  South  writing  School  in  the  Common  for 
an  Usher  in  his  School,  and  that  he  may  be  Reimburs'd  what  he 
has  already  paid  for  Assistance  in  his  School. 

Sundry  motions  made, 
Viz4. 

John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  that  the  Town  would  consider  of 
Repairing  the  South  Battery,  and  otherwise  better  Fortify  the 
Town  than  now  it  is. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen,  that  a  Committee  may  be  chosen  to  Audit 
the  Accounts  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  build  Fortifications 
&c\  within  this  Town  and  make  Report  &ca. 

Mr.  Jacob  Parker  that  Fox  hill  in  the  Common  may  be  Appro- 
priated and  disposed  of  in  such  a  manner  as  will  be  most  for  the 
Interest  of  the  Town. 

Joseph  White  Esqr.  on  behalf  of  himself  and  the  other  Collec- 
tors of  Taxes  for  some  further  allowance  to  be  made  them  for 
Collecting  of  Taxes. 

Mr.  Robert  Rand,  that  the  Town-  would  determine  whether 
the  Fines  arising  on  any  persons  refusing  to  Serve  in  the  Office 
to  which  he  is  Chosen  shall  be  paid  in  Bills  of  the  old  tenor,  or  the 
same  Sum  in  bills  of  the  last  tenor. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esqr  on  behalf  of  the  overseers  of  the  Poor 
that  the  Town  would  purchase  Bridewell  house  &ca.  for  a  mad 
house. 

[81.]  Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  that  the  Town  would  consider 
whether  it  be  not  necessary  to  Erect  another  Powder  house,  and 
Act  thereon  accordingly. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen,  that  a  Committee  may  be  Appointed  to  lav 
before  the  Honble  House  of  Representatives  (who  are  the  Guardians 
of  the  Rights  and  Liberties  of  the  people)  the  Grievances  this 
Town  Labour  under  by  reason  of  the  arbitrary  and  illegal  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  repeatedly  granting 
press  warrants,  as  also  the  male  behaviour  of  some  of  their 
Officers. 

Capt.  John  Steel,  that  some  Method  may  be  taken,  to  prevent 
Negroes  keeping  Hogs. 


78  City  Document  No.   170. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  that  the  Town  would  purchase  500  Ton  of 
Timber  for  their  use  as  there  sho'd  be  Occasion. 

Mr.  Isaac  White,  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  wait  ou  his 
Excellency  the  Captain  General,  desiring  of  him  that  three  Vessells 
may  be  purchased,  in  order  to  be  sunk  in  such  places  in  the 
Channel  as  shall  be  thought  best  in  Case  the  Town  sho'd  be 
attacked  by  an  Enemy. 

Capt.  John  Steel  one  of  the  Selectmen  Informed  the  Town  that 
their  Shops  on  the  North  Side  of  Faneuil  Hall  market  were  very 
much  out  of  Repair  and  gone  to  Decay  praying  the  directions 
of  the  Town  concerning  'em. 

Capt.  John  Steel  informed  the  Town  that  the  Selectmen  had 
reced  the  Sum  of  Six  hundred  &  Sixty  six  pounds  thirteen  shil- 
lings &  six  pence  being  a  Grant  made  by  the  General  Court  for 
purchasing  of  Cannon  and  other  Warlike  Stores  for  the  use  of  the 
north  Battery  and  pray'd  the  Direction  of  the  Town  relating  to  the 
same. 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen. 
And  the  Votes  being  accordingly  brought  in  &  Sorted  it  appeared 
that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen.  Viz'. 
Samuel  Adams  Esqr. 
Jonas  Clarke  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thos.  Hancock 
Capt  John  Steel  }»  Selectmen. 

Capt  William  Salter 
Capt  Henry  Atkins,  & 
Abiel  Walley  Esqr. 
[82.]     Voted   that  this   Meeting    be    Adjourn'd  to  3  o'Clock 
P.M. 

Three  oClock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for 

the  Year  ensuing, Viz4. 

The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
William  Tyler  Esq1. 
Col.  John  Hill 
Thos.  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Col0.  William  Downe 
Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
Capt  John  Phillips 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
George  Rogers  Esqr. 
Mr.  Ebenr  Storer 
The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Robert  Rand  relating  to  the  Fines  to 
be  paid  by  those  persons  who  refuse  to  Serve  in  the  respective 
Offices,  to  which  they  are  Chosen  now  came  under  Consideration, 
and  after  some  Debate. 

Voted  that  an3r  person  or  persons  chosen  to  an}r  Office  in  the 
Town  for  the  Year  Ensuing,  who  in  Case  of  refusal  is  obliged  to 
pay  any  Fine  or  penalty,  be  Excused  from  serving  in  such  Office 


Boston   Town  Records,   1745. 


79 


provided  he  or  they  pay  their  respective  Fines  in  Bills  of  the  old 
tenor  as  the  several  persons  did  who  were  the  last  year  chose  & 
refused  to  serve. 

Voted  that  twelve  Constables  be  Chose  distinct  from  Collectors 
of  Taxes,  accordingly. 


Messrs.  Samuel  Welles  junr. 
Peter  Chardon 
Thomas  Hawding 
Capt  Nath1.  Allen 
John  Hammock    . 
James  Atkinson  . 


Pay 

paid  in  1735. 

paid  in  1735 

paid  in  1743 

paid  in  1736. 

Pay 


1 


[83.] 


Robert  Jenkins  Appeals  to  Sessions 


Ezekiel  Lewis  junr. 
John  Jones 
Thomas  Raymond 
Andrew  Hall  junr. 
Jonathan  Simpson 


paid  in  1743. 

paid  in  1735. 

Excused 

Pay 

paid  in  1743. 


Constables. 


The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treas- 
urer and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  The  Honble  Joseph 
Wadsworth  Esqr.  was  chosen  by  a  great  Majority  &  Sworn  into 
that  Office  by  the  Honble.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 

The  Freeholders  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a 
Register  of  Deeds  and  Conveyances  for  the  Count}-  of  Suffolk,  and 
they  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law,  Sealed  up  bj^  mr. 
Constable  Story  to  be  by  him  kept  &  Returned  to  the  next  Quarter 
Sessions,  to  be  held  for  this  County. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer  which  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up 
by  Constable  Story,  to  be  by  him  kept  and  returned  to  the  next 
Quarter  Sessions,  to  be  held  for  this-  County. 
Messrs.  Story  Daws Sworne  ") 

Joseph  Dyer Pay 

William  Winter Sworne 

Eneas  Maccoy pay 

John  Indicott  Junr pay  J>  Constables. 

Thomas  March pay 

Joseph  Clark  junr pay 

Oxenbridge  Thacher  junr.  .     .  pay 

Daniel  Williams  paid  in  1743. 
were  Chose  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen's  motion  made  at  the  opening  of  the  Meeting 
Viz'.  That  a  Committee  may  be  appointed  to  lay  before  the  Honble. 
House  of  Representatives  who  are  the  Guardians  of  the  Rights 
and  Liberties  of  the  people  the  Grievances  this  Town  Labour  under 
by  reason  of  the  Arbitrary  and  illegal  proceedings  of  the  Govern- 
our  and  Council  in  repeatedly  Granting  press  Warrants  as  also 
the  male  behaviour  of  some  of  their  Officers,  was  now  taken  [84.] 

Into  Consideration,  and  after  a  Short  debate  thereon Voted 

that  a  Committee  be  chosen  to  draw  up  a  Petition  to  the  Honblc. 
House  of  Representatives  relating  to  the  said  Grievances  men- 
tioned  in    said   motion, And    that    Mess™.    Jeremiah  Allen, 


80 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Thomas  Green,  John  Jones,  John  Gooch,  and  Samuel  Adams 
Esqr.  be  the  said  Committee  who  are  desired  to  make  Report 
hereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted  that  the  Consideration  of  the  present  Fortify  cations,  and 
otherwise  better  Fortifying  the  Town  than  now  it  is  come  on  to- 
morrow in  the  forenoon  at  Eleven  o'Clock. 

Adjourned  to,  Tomorrow  morning  nine  aClock,  A.M. 

The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to  the 
Clerks  of  the  Market  that  served  in  that  office  the  last  year  for 
their  good  Services  done  the  Town. 


Mess".  Nathaniel  Barber 
Thomas  Salter    . 
Nathaniel  Gardner 
William  Merchant 
Thomas  Stoddard 
Joseph  Bradford 
Samuel  Parkman 
John  Greenough 
Samuel  Holland 
Alexander  Sears 
Ephraim  Copeland 
John  Kneeland  . 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Mar 

Messr 


ket  for 


.  Excus'd.  "* 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Excus'd. 
.  Sworne. 
•  Pay. 
the  year  ensuing. 


Sworne. 

Excus'd. 

Sworne. 

Sworne. 

Sworne 

Sworne 


[85.] 


Sworne 
Sworne 
Sworne 
Sworne 
Sworne 


Josiah  Carter  . 
Sam1.  Hastings     . 
Robert  "Williams  . 
Nathaniel  Hodgdon 
James  Dawson 
John  Allen 
Wm.  Currier     . 
Messrs.  James  Tileston 
Francis  Warden 
Nathaniel  Vial 
William  More 
William  Bearsto 
James  Barnard 
were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing 
Messrs.  John  Taylor  ^ 

Joseph  Savel 
John  Nowell 
Jonathan  Payson 
Joseph  Jackson 
John  Harris 
David  Cutler 
William  Hall 
Benja.  Fitch 
Cap'.  Nathaniel  Vial 
Moses  Tyler 
John  Ruddock 
were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  vear  ensuing 


Sealers  of  Leather. 


>  Fence  Viewers. 


i-    Scavingers. 


Boston   Town  Records,   1745. 


81 


>    Cullers  of  Staves. 


Mr.  Isaac  Gridley,  Surveyor  of  Hemp. 

Messrs.  Nathaniel  Gardner  ")    T  .  »  ^ 

td-  i      i  tt  i,u     ^       r    Informers  of  Deer. 
Richard  Hubbard     j 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Band,  Hayward. 

The  Select  Men,  Surve3~ors  of  Highways. 

Messrs.  George  Skinner  "| 

John  Lee,  Blacksmith       !   Sy 
Eobert  Williams,  Baker  j        ° 
Joseph  Grouard  J 

Nothing  done  thereon,  Tythingmen. 

[86.]     Messrs.  Harvey  Thomas    "" 
Benjamin  Ballard 
John  Hobbs 
Joseph  Ingraham 
Sendal  Williams 
Isaac  Fowle 
Peter  Cotta 
Benjamin  Sault 
James  Alexander 
Thomas  Serjant 
were  Chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  year  Ensuing. 
Mess19.  Edward  Moberly     .     .  Sworn  ^ 
Edward  Richards    .     .  Sworn 
William  Paine  Sworn 

William  Parkman  Sworn   | 

Joseph  White  Sworn 

Isaac  Vergoose  Sworn 

James  Barnard  Sworn 

Thomas  Warden  Sworn 

Moses  Eayres  Sworn 

Andrew  Symmes  Sworn 

were  Chosen  Viewers  of  Boards  Shingles  &ca.  for  the  year  ensu- 
ing. 

Mess".  John  Ball .     .     . 
Benjamin  Renkin 
John  Coles 
John  Sweetser 
Thomas  Mower 
were  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Jeremiah  Belknap ") 

John  Salter  [-Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain. 

Thomas  Tyler        ) 
were  chosen  Committee  for  purchasing  Grain  for  the  year  ensu- 
ing. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all 
[87.]  Needful  directions  to  the  keeper  of  the  Grainnary  re- 
specting the  Quantitys  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  setting  the  price 
thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  require. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Clerk  of 
Faneuil  Hall  Market,  and  upon  Collecting  'em  it  Appeared  that 
Mr.  Abijah  Adams  was  chosen  into  that  Office. 


Viewers  of  Boards 
Shingles. 


Sworne ") 

Pay        | 

Sworn    y  Constables. 

Sworne  j 

Pay        J 


82  City  Document  No.   170. 

Voted  that  Seven  Assessors  be  chose  for  the  year  ensuing  and 
upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that. 
Mess".  Richard  Buckley         Sworn 

Joshua  Blanchard 

Jacob  Parker  Sworn 

Daniel  Pecker  Sworn   )■  Assessors. 

William  Fairfield         Sworn 

Nathaniel  Barber        Sworn 

Joseph  Fitch  Sworne 

were  chosen  Assessors  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  master  of  the  South  writing 
School  in  the  Common,  read  at  the  opening  of  the  Meeting, 
setting  forth  that  his  School  in  the  Common  220  Scholars  which  is 
near  50  more  than  were  there  last  march  meeting  and  finding  it 
impossible  to  tend  and  Instruct  such  a  number  of  Scholars  himself 
was  obliged  to  appoint  his  Brother  to  tend  one  part  of  the  Scholars 
and  to  pay  for  his  Board  Seven  months  past  otherwise  a  great 
number  of  Scholars  must  inevitably  have  been  turned  off  without 
any  Learning.  —  He  therefore  prays  that  the  Town  would  be 
pleased  to  take  the  premisses  in  Consideration  and  Grant  him 
such  assistance  as  may  be  requisite  to  enable  him  to  Discharge 
his  Duty  to  the  Children  with  that  Care  and  Fidelity  which  ma}T 
justly  be  expected  from  him,  and  also  that  he  may  be  reimburs'd 
the  Charge  which  he  has  paid  for  his  Brothers  Board  as  above 
mentioned  now  came  under  Consideration,  and  it  was  thereupon, 
Voted  that  the  said  Abia  Holbrook  be  Reimburs'd  the  sums 
he  has  paid  for  his  Brothers  Board  as  above  and  the  Selectmen 
is  desired  to  give  him  a  Draft  on  the  Treasury  for  the  same  — 
Also  Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  allowed  an  usher  for 
said  School  until  the  [88.]  Town  shall  otherwise  order,  and 
that  his  Sallary  be  one  hundred  &  Fifty  pounds  old  tenor  Bills 
p  Annum  to  Commence  from  the  time  he  shall  enter  into  that 
Service  and  paid  Quarterly. 

The  Motion  of  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  "  That  a  Committee  may  be 
chose  to  Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Build 
Fortify  cations  &Ca.  within  this  Town,  was  now  taken  into  Consid- 
eration and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that 
Mr.  Thomas  Green 
James  Allen  P>sqr.  & 
John  Fayerweather  Esqr. 
be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  said  Accounts  accordingly,  and  the}7 
are  desired  to  make  Report  hereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Selectmens  Report  on  Mr.  John  Fenno's  Account  of  the 
Grainary  for  the  year  past  as  entree!  in  his  Book  (and  on  file  in 
the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  &  Voted  that  the  said  Report  be 
accepted,  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  John  Fenno  be  further  account- 
able to  the  Town  for  Two  hundred  and  Sixty  two  Bushells  &  a  half 
of  Indian  Corn,  Eighteen  Bushells  &  -|ths  of  Rye,  and  the  Sum  of 
Four  hunded  and  Seventy  four  pounds  eight  shillings  and  ten  pence 
in  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  old  tenor  the  whole  of  which  amounts  to 
Six  hundred  and  Thirty  pounds,  fifteen  shillings  and  three  pence 
old  tenor,  which  remains  in  his  hands  Exclusive  of  his  Salary  to> 


Boston   Town  Records,  1745.  83 

the  third  instant   being  Eighty    three    pounds  Six    Shillings    and 
Eight  pence  old  tenor,  which  is  hereby  also  allowed. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  motion  made 
at  the  opening  of  the  meeting  by  John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  that  the 
Town  would  effectually  repair  the  South  Battery,  and  otherwise 
Better  Fortify  the  Town  than  now  it  is,  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon,  Voted  that  a  Committee  be  chose  to  View  the  several 
Batterys  and  Fortifications  in  the  Town  and  report  the  State  and 
Circumstances  they  are  in  and  also  what  they  Judge  necessary  for 
the  Town  further  to  do,  to  put  themselves  in  a  better  Posture  of 
Defence,  and  also  that  the  said  Committee  consider  of  the  motion 
made  by  Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  whether  it  be  not  necessary  that 
another  powder  house  be  Erected  in  Town,  of  the  motion  made  by 
the  Honble.  Col  Wendell  that  Five  hundred  Ton  of  Timber  may  be 
purchased  for  the  use  of  the  Town,  and  the  motion  made  by  [89.] 
Mr.  Isaac  White  that  three  or  more  Vessells  be  purchased  in  order 
to  be  Sunk  in  such  places  in  the  Channel  as  shall  be  thought  best 
in  Case  the  Town  shou'd  be  Attacked  by  an  Enemy,  and  report 

what  they  think  proper  to  be  done  on  said  motions. 

Also  Voted  that. 

John  Fayerweather  Esq1. 
Mr.  Isaac  White 
Col0.  John  Hill 
The  Honble.  Col0.  Wendell  & 
The  HonbIe.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 
be  the  Committeee  for  the  purposes  aforsaid,  and  they  are  desired 
to  make  report  hereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  meeting. 

Mr.  Hancock  one  of  the  Selectmen  Informed  the  Town  that  he 
had  received  of  the  province  Treasurer  the  Sum  of  Six  hundred  and 
Sixty  Six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  bills  of  the  last 
Tenor,  being  the  Grant  made  b}'  the  General  Court  the  thirtieth 
day  of  May  A  D  1744.  for  purchasing  of  Cannon  &  other  Warlike 
Stores  for  the  use  of  the  north  Battery  and  that  he  had  also 
received  of  the  Committee  of  War  Twenty  one  hundred  &  Fifty 
pounds  old  tenor  bills  being  for  the  Two  hundred  and  fifteen  Fire 
Anns  press'd  by  the  Government  for  the  Service  of  the  late  Ex- 
pedition against  Cape  Breton  against  Cape  Breton  so  desiring  the 
direction  of  the  Town  where  he  sho'd  lodge  the  same  being  un- 
willing to  Bun  the  Risque  thereof  in  his  house  Whereupon  he  was 
desired  to  keep  it  till  further  orders  of  the  Town. 
Messr\  Benjamin  Church  ....    Sworue    ~) 

Joseph  Belknap      ....    Pay 

John  Bowden Sworn      y    Constables. 

Joshua  Pickmanjun1".  .     .     .    Sworn 

George  Eustice Sworne    J 

wex*e  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Tuesday  three  a  Clock  in  the  afternoon  the  Town  met  according 
to  Adjournment. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Ten  Firewards 
the  Votes  being  Collected  &  Sorted  it  appeared  that  the  following 
persons  were  Chose.     Viz'. 


84  City  Document  No.  170. 

[90.]  Messra.  Isaac  White  ^ 

Robert  Breck 

John  Carries 

John  Scolley 

Joseph  Jackson        Hatter      !  p.  d 

Col0.  Wm.  Downe 

Capt.  Henry  Berry 

Col0.  Benja.  Pollard  Excusd 

Col0.  John  Hill 

Capt.  William  Salter 
were  chose  Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Committee  Appointed  yesterday  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a 
Petition  to  the  Honble.  House  of  Representatives  relating  to  the 
Grievances  this  Town  Labour  under  by  reason  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  repeatedly  Granting  press  War- 
rants &Ca.  now  made  Report  of  a  Draft  they  had  prepar'd  in  the 
words  following  Viz'. 

The  Committee,  appointed  to  draw  up  a  Petition  to  the  Hon- 
ourable House  of  Representatives  relating  to  the  Grievances  by 
Impress  Warrants  &Ca.  have  attended  that  Service  and  Report 
the  following  Draft,  Viz'. 

To  the  Honourable  the  House  of  Representatives. 
Shew. 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  Town  meeting  legally 
Assembled. 

That  your  Petitioners,  labouring  under  great  &  insupportable 
Grievances  by  means  of  the  late  Repeated  Warrants  to  impress 
Seamen  for  his  majesty's  Ships,  as  also  the  male  behaviour  of  the 
Officers  are  Constraint!  to  lay  the  same  before  your  Honours,  who 
are  instructed  to  your  Constituents  with  the  Sacred  Depositum  of 
their  invaluable  Rights  and  priviledges,  of  which  by  the  Constitu- 
tion you  are  the  natural  Guardians,  and  with  all  Dutiful  Respect 
your  Petitioners  would  Say,  They  have  chearfully  complied  with 
all  the  Injunctions  of  Government,  altho  their  Taxes  which  are 
daily  increasing  have  been  [91.]  A  Burthen  under  which  they  are 
almost  ready  to  Succomb,  But  this  notwithstanding,  as  also  the 
present  melancholy  Stagnation  of  Trade  and  Commerce  which  is 
like  to  be  continued  during  the  War,  yet  your  Petitioners  have 
lately  been  distress' d  by  no  less  than  three  several  Warrants  for 
Impressing  Seamen  which  (altho  we  apprehend  'em  to  be  illegal) 
have  been  executed  in  an  oppressive  manner,  before  unknown  to 
Englishmen,  and  attended  with  Tragical  Consequences.  By  which 
means  the  numbers  of  Seamen  Impress'd  for  his  Majestys  Ships 
and  those  who  have  fled  to  the  neighbouring  Governments  for  Pro- 
tection from  Impresses,  added  to  those  who  went  in  the  Sea 
Service  to  Cape  Breton  amount  to  more  than  Three  Thousand ; 
whereupon  the  neighbouring  Governments  have  not  only  had  a 
sufficient  number  of  Seamen  to  navigate  their  Trade  with  but  also 
so  large  a  Surpluss  of  men  as  to  enable  them  to  man  within  the 
province  of  New  York  &  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  near  Thirty  sail 
of  Privateers,  exclusive  of  those  fitted  out  from  the  other  Govern- 
ments, when  the  once  Cherish'd  now  Depress'd,  once  Flourishing 


Boston  Town  Records,  1745-6.  85 

now  sinking  Town  of  Boston,  have  been  so  far  from  being  able  to 
man  any  privateers,  that  she  has  wanted  men  to  man  the  merchant 
Vessells,  some  of  whom  have  had  their  Cargo's  much  Damnified, 
by  having  them  long  Ship'd  before  they  could  get  men  to  navigate 
their  Vessells,  and  all  these  Grievances  are  greatly  aggrivated, 
when  it  is  considered  that  Boston  is  the  metropolis  of  that  province 
who  has  been  the  principal  in  the  Reduction  of  Cape  Breton,  which 
added  to  her  former  Millitary  Atchievements  for  Loyalty  justly  sets 
her  at  the  head  of  his  majestys  provinces,  and  that  those  other 
Governments  (New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut  Excepted)  have 
bore  no  part  of  the  Burthen  of  the  War,  nor  had  any  hand  in  the 
Expedition,  but  have  been  reaping  unknown  advantages  by  our 
misfortunes  in  having  seamen  to  Carry  their  Vessells  to  the  best 
markets,  while  ours  with  their  Cargos  perishing  on  Board  lay  by 
the  Walls,  for  want  of  navigators,  But  the  Injury  is  still  heightened 
by  the  Behaviour  of  the  Officers,  who  with  their  Lawless  Rabble, 
like  ruffains  entered  the  Houses  of  some  of  the  Inhabitants  in  the 
night  to  their  great  Terror,  and  acted  Tragical  Scenes,  which  was 
closed  in  the  inhumane  murder  of  two  brave  men,  who  had  been 
employed  in  the  hotest  Service  during  the  Expedition  and  with 
their  Fellows  had  Quitted  themselves  like  men,  This  Tragical 
Scene  seemed  to  have  so  little  Effect  upon  the  Sheriff  of  the  County 
of  Suffolk  (who  by  his  Office  is  the  Grand  Conservator  of  the 
peace)  that  when  a  Warrant  was  issued  by  the  Honble.  Samuel 
Danforth  Esqr.  &  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  against  the  offenders 
which  was  by  one  or  both  of  those  Gentlemen  delivered  to  him  he 
delivered  the  same  into  the  hands  of  Nathaniel  Hasey  then  a 
Depty  Sheriff,  and  the  second  named  Criminal  in  said  [93.] 
Warrant  to  be  executed  by  him,  instead  of  Executing  it  upon  him, 
as  by  his  Oath  and  Office  he  was  Bound  to  do. 

All  these  matters  your  Petitioners  Apprehend  proceed  from  the 
Warrants  to  Impress  Seamen,  which  they  conceive  are  Breaches 
of  Magna  Charta,  The  Charter  of  the  province,  and  an  act  of  Par- 
liament Subjecting  any  Captain  of  a  man  of  War  to  the  Penalty 
of  Twenty  pounds  Sterling  Fine  for  every  Seaman  such  Captain 
shall  impress  in  the  plantations,  and  they  also  Conjecture  that 
under  pretext  of  Executing  those  Warrants  the  faith  of  the  Gov- 
ernment plighted  to  those  brave  men,  who  engaged  in  the  Expedi- 
tion has  been  notoriously  Violated. 

Wherefore  your  Petitioners  humbly  Pray  your  Honours  as  ten- 
der Fathers,  would  take  our  most  pitiable  and  most  deplorable 
Circumstances  into  your  wise  Consideration,  and  Assert  our  In- 
vaded Rights  and  priviledges  by  Remonstrating  to  the  Governour 
and  Council  against  such  Warrants,  as  also  against  the  unjusti- 
fiable Conduct  of  their  officers. 

The  foregoing  Draft  is  Submitted  by, 

Jer.  Allen 
John  Jones 

Boston  March  11.  1745/6.  Samuel  Adams 

Which  being  Twice  read  over,  after  some  Debate  thereon. 

It  was  Voted  that  the  said  Draft  be  Accepted  and  a  fair  copy 
of  the  same  be  prepared  &  signed  by  the  Town  Clerk,  and  that  the 


86  City  Document  No.   170. 

Selectmen  present  the  same  to  the  Honble.  House  of  Represent™" 
now  sitting  as  the  Petition  of  the  Town. 

Mess".  John  Ting     ....  Excus'd. ") 

Hezekiah  Usher      .     .  Sworne.   >-    Constables. 
William  Whitwell  .      .  Escus'd  J 
were  Chose  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Petition  of 
M1.  Samuel  Gibson  read  at  the  opening  of  the  Meeting  praying 
for  an  Addition  to  his  Sallary,  and  after  some  Debate    thereon, 


Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  pounds  old  tenor  p  annum  be 
Added  to  Mr.  Gibsons  Sallary  to  Commence  from  his  last 
Quarter. 

Messrs.  Daniel  Tuckerman,  Sworne,  Samuel  Sellon  Sworne,  were 
chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

[93.]     Voted  that  Mess13.  William  Torrey     ") 

David  Collson  &   V    Committee. 
Robert  Rand  ) 

be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  View  the  Wooden 
Shops  belonging  to  the  Town  on  the  north  Side  of  Faneuil  Hall 
Market  consider  what  necessary  Repairs  are  Wanting  and  Report 
what  they  think  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  meeting. 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  24th. 
Instant  9  aClock  in  the  Forenoon. 

March  24.  1745.  monday  9  aClock  in  the  Forenoon,  The  Town 
mett  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Inhabitants  entred  upon  the  Consideration  of  some  method 
for  the  better  Regulation  of  Funerals  and  thereupon,  Voted  that 
the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Consider  what  may  be 
necessary  to  be  further  done  in  this  Affair,  and  report  hereon  at 
the  next  meeting. 

Col.  Pollard  who  was  chose  a  Fireward  at  the  beginning  of  this 
meeting  sent  his  Letter  of  Excuse  which  was  Accepted  and  there- 
upon Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  Chuse  another  in  his  Room 
&  the  Votes  were  accordingly  brought  in  &  it  Appeared  that 
Capt.  Joseph  Russell  was  chosen. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  Consider  of  some  method  to  pre- 
vent the  great  Fraud  that  is  frequently  committed  in  the  Sale  of 
Hoops  in  Town,  And  Voted  that  a  Committee  hereof  accordingly 
Voted  that, 

Mess1'3.  Bryant  Parrott  ~) 

Joshua  Cheever  Esqr.  >-    Committee. 
Mr.  Thomas  Lee  ) 

be  the  said  Committee  who  are  desired  to  Report  hereon  at  the 
next  meeting. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  M1'.  Middlecott  Cooke  &  seconded  that 
the  Town  would  reconsider  the  motion  of  M1.  Jeremiah  Allen  at 
the  opening  of  this  meeting  the  10th.  Instant  and  the  Petition  Con- 
sequent thereupon  relating  to  preferring  a  Petition  to  the  Hon1'16. 
House  of  Representatives  concerning  the  Grievances  this  Town 
Labour  under  by  reason  of  [94.]  The  frequent  Press  Warrants 


Boston   Town  Records,  1745-6.  87 

Granted  by  the  Governour  and   Council  to   Man   His   Majesty's 

Ships    &Ca. and    a   large    Debate    was    had    thereon  which 

continued  till  after  one  aClock,  when  it  was  moved  and  secouded 
by  several  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  three  aClock  in  the 
Afternoon,  then  to  reassume  the  Consideration  of  Mr.  Cooks 
motion  which  was  Voted  accordingly. Then  Voted  this  Meet- 
ing be  Adjourned  to  3  aClock  P.M. 

Monday  3  aClock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  mett  according  to 
Adjournment. 

Mess".  Thomas  Greenough     ....     Pay         ^ 
Deacon   John   Eliot  refuses    to 
Serve  his  fine  is  Remitd 

Thomas  Baxter Sworne 

John  Gardner  Shopkeeper    .      .     Pay 

Daniel  Marsh Sworne 

John  Flower Sworne 

Jona.  Gushing Pay 

Powers  Mariot Pay 

Nathaniel  Thaj^er Sworne 

Phillip  Audebert Sworne 

Thomas  Hill Pay 

James  Day Sworne 

were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hartly  a  Sealer  of  Leather  was  chose  a  Sealer  of 
Leather  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Town  reassum'd  the  Consideration  of  the  motion  made  by 
Mr.  Cooke  in  the  Forenoon  and  after  a  long  Debate  the  following 
Question  was  put  Viz4.  Whether  the  Town  will  now  proceed  to 
Act  on  the  said  motion  of  Mr.  Cooke  for  Reconsidering  the  said 
motion  of  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  and  the  Petition  to  the  HonbIe  House 
Consequent  thereon,  and  it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative,  and 
thereupon  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  written  Votes, 
and  those  that  were  for  reconsidering  said  Aliens  Motion  and  the 
said  Petition  to  write  Yea,  and  those  that  were  against  it  to 
write  Nay,  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  &  Sorted  it  appeared 
that  the  number  of  Voters  were  378  whereof  224  were  Yeas  and 
154  Nays 

Then  it  was  Voted  by  a  vast  majority  "  That  the  said  Petition 
[95.]  and  the  motion  whereon  it  was  Grounded  contains  Ex- 
pressions disrespectful  and  reflecting  upon  his  Excellency  the 
Governour,  and  the  Council,  and  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  disre- 
spectfulness  the  Town  disavow  the  same. 

Upon    a   motion  made   and   seconded,  It   was    Voted  that  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Honble  James  Allen  Esqr.  for 
his  dispatch  given  to  the  Business  of  this  meeting. 
Then  the  meeting  was  dismissed. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Thirty 
first  day  of  March  A.D.  1746. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 


88  City  Document  No.   170. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the 
HonbIe.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen. 
Voted,  That  Mess".  Robert  Rand  } 

William  Torrey  &  >  Committee. 
David  Colson  ) 
be  and  hereb}r  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  View  the  Wooden 
Shops  belonging  to  the  Town  on  the  north  Side  of  Faneuil  Hall 
Market,  Consider  what  necessary  Repairs  are  wanting  and  Repart 
what  they  think  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon  as  soon  as  may 
be. 

Voted  that  the  Honble  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 
John  Fayerweather  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Mr.  Isaac  White  & 
Col0.  WmDowne, 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Wait  upon  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Captain  General  to  ask  his  Liberty  to  View  the  present 
Batterys  in  the  Town  and  see  what  Stores  &  Repairs  are  wanting 
and  also  to   Consider  what   they  Judge  necessary  for  the  Town 
further  to  do  to  put  themselves  into  a  better  Posture  of  Defence 
and  Report  hereon  as  soon  as  ma}'  be. 

[96.]  Voted  That  the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.        ~\ 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  &  >  Committee. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene  ) 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Accounts 
of  the  Committee  appointed  in  June  1742.  to  Build  Fortifications 
in  this  Town  and  Report  hereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 
The  Petition  of  James  Allen  Esqr.  setting  forth  that  he  has  an 
Interest  in  the  Outwharves  butting  northward  on  the  middle  Gap 
leading  into  the  Bason  and  not  to  be  come  at  by  Land  which 
renders  it  incommodious  for  improvement,  praying  he  may  have 
Liberty  to  Remove  the  said  Gap  the  Wedth  of  it  Northward  at 
his  own  Cost,  was  now  read  and  after  some  Debate  thereon, 
Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  take  the  said  Petition  into  Consideration  and  Report 
what  they  think  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon. 

The  Proposal  of  Gillam  Phillips  Esqr  for  making  the  Lane  called 
pudding.  Lane  near  the  Town  house  more  Strait  than  now  it  is  by 
taking  in  part  of  his  Land  on  the  Westerly  Side  of  his  Lane  which 
he  is  willing  to  give  to  the  Town. 

If  in  Consideration  thereof  the  Town  would  Allow  him  so  much 
of  said  Lane  as  shall  be  Agreed  upon  on  the  Easterly  side  thereof, 

Was  now  taken  into  Consideration,  and  thereupon Voted  that 

the  Selectmen  be  and  they  are  hereby  fully  impowered  to  Straiten 
said  Lane,  and  settle  the  same  with  said  Phillips  in  such  manner  as 
they  shall  think  best. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford  one  of  the  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  this  Town,  setting  forth  that  many  People  in  his  list  have 
dyed  beyond  Sea,  and  notice  thereof  has  been  after  the  time  was 
Elapsed  for  making  Abatements,  &  many  men  have  died  at  home 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  89 

so  poor  that  nothing  could  be  obtained  Praying  that  the  Assessors 
may  be  Impowered  at  the  time  of  their  making  up  the  Taxes  for 
the  year  1745,  to  make  such  Abatements  as  in  their  Judgment 

they  shall  see  meet. Was  now  read,  and  thereupon  Voted  that 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  Joshua  Cheever  Esqr.  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
James  Allen  Esq  .  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Loring  be  a  Committee  to 
Consider  of  said  Petition  and  Report  what  they  think  proper  for 
the  Town  [97.]  To  do  thereon,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted  that  the  Town  take  into  Consideration  the  State  &  Cir- 
cumstances of  the  Several  Fortifications  within  the  Town  and  also 
whether  they  will  farther  Fortify  the  same  at  four  a  Clock  this 
Afternoon. 

The  Motion  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  that  some  proper  house 
may  be  provided  for  distracted  persons  was  taken  into  Considera- 
tion, and  thereupon  Voted  that  the  said  officers  be  and  hereby  are 
appointed  a  Commtee  to  enquire  into  the  Circumstances  of  Bride- 
well house  adjoyning  to  the  Work  house,  and  the  Conveniency 
thereof  for  the  Reception  of  Distracted  persons  and  report  hei-eon 
as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted  that  the  motion  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  a  further 
Premium  or  Allowance  as  also  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  to  Visit 
the  Schools  and  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Treas- 
urer and  Officers  be  referr'd  over  to  the  General  Town  Meeting 
in  may  next. 

Voted  that  nine  pence  on  the  Pound  be  and  hereby  is  Allowed 
to  be  paid  to  such  persons  as  shall  be  chosen  to  Collect  the  Taxes 
within  the  ensuing  year  on  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect  they 
paying  unto  the  Town  Treasurer  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sum 
they  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  him  within  Three  months  from  the 
Time  they  shall  receive  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the 
other  half  part  in  three  months  after  and  also  paying  to  the  Prov- 
ince and  County  Treasurers  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  they 
shall  be  obliged  respectively  to  pay  them  in  Six  months  from  the 
time  they  shall  receive  the  said  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the 
other  half  part  in  Six  months  after  and  in  Case  either  of  the  said 
Collectors  shall  fail  paying  the  said  Treasurers  in  the  above  manner, 
the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  entitled  to  the  aforesaid  Allow- 
ance of  nine  pence  on  the  Pound  for  Collecting  but  wholly  forfeit 

the  same. Provided  also  that  the  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with 

sufficient  Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faith- 
ful Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  said  Office. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Six  Collectors 
accordingly  and  upon  Collecting  &  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared 
that. 

Mess".  Capt  John  Goldthwait        Elias  Dupee 

Joseph  White  Esqr.  William  Larrabee  & 

Capt.  Benja  Edwards          Capt.  Andrew  Cunningham, 
was  chosen  Collectors  for  the  year  ensuing. 

[98.]  Then  the  Town  Adjourn'd  to  3  a  Clock  P.M. 

Monday,  3  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Town  mett  according 
to  Adjournment. 

The  Motion  of  several  Inhabitants  for  disposing  of  Fox  hill  in 


90  City  Document  No.   170. 

the  Common  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  was  taken  into  Con- 
sideration, and  thereupon,  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  View  the  same  and  Report  what  they  think  will  be  most 
for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  to  do  with  said  Hill, 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  allowed  to  sit  upon 
the  Abatements  of  Taxes  until  the  last  day  of  September  next  and 
no  longer. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  View  the  Wooden  Shops  on  the 
North  Side  of  Faneuil  Hall  market,  now  Reported,  That  they  had 
Viewed  the  same  and  found  the  Foundation  of  several  of  the 
middle  Shops  next  the  Dock  Rotten  and  given  way,  the  Shops 
setled  down  about  Nine  Inches,  and  some  of  the  Floors  want 
Repairing  and  the  Shingling  to  be  mended,  and  that  repairing  the 
same  would  not  Cost  one  hundred  pounds  old  tenor  both  for  work 
and  Stuff,  Whereupon  it  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and 
hereby  are  desired  to  Repair  the  said  Shops  in  the  best  and  cheap- 
est manner  they  can. 

The  Petition  of  John  Osborne  Esqr.  and  several  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  this  Town  setting  forth  that  the  Pavement  at  the  lower 
end  of  Milk  Street  from  Horn  alley  to  Col0.  Hatch's  Gate. is  very 
much  broken  and  out  of  Repair  and  great  Number  of  Loaden 
Carts  &Ca.  do  daily  pass  it  praying  the  Selectmen  may  be  im- 
powered  to  cause  said  Pavement  to  be  taken  up  &  laid  anew  and 
that  a  sum  of  money  may  be  granted  for  that  purpose,  and  that 
some  effectual  method  may  be  taken  to  Carry  off  the  Water  which 
in  great  Rains  or  Sudden  Showers  renders  the  way  impassable 
Occasioned  by  the  Defect  of  the  Common  Sewer  &ca.  Read.  — 
and  thereupon  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired 
to  View  that  part  of  said  Street  propos'd  to  be  new  paved  Con- 
sider the  Circumstances  of  the  same  &  what  the  Town  had  best 
do  there  upon,  as  also  of  some  method  for  Carrying  off  the  Water 
that  often  renders  said  Way  unpassable,  &  make  a  Computation 
of  the  whole  Charge,  thereof  and  Report  hereon  at  the  General 
Town  meeting  in  may  next 

[99.]  The  Committee  appointed  in  the  forenoon  to  Wait  upon 
his  Excellency  the  Captain  General  to  ask  his  Liberty  to  View  the 
present  Batteries  in  the  Town  and  See  what  Stores  &  repairs  are 
wanting,  and  also  to  Consider  what  they  Judge  necessary  for  the 
Town  further  to  do  to  put  themselves  into  a  better  Posture  of  De- 
fence, now  made  their,  Report  which  was  read,  and  after  some 
Debate  thereon  the  following  Question  was  put  Viz4.  Whether  the 
Town  will  now  proceed  to  raise  money  for  Putting  themselves  in  a 
better  Posture  of  Defence,  and  it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative, 
and  then  the  Report  was  read  again,  and  the  first  Paragraph  Viz1. 
That  the  Eight  Field  Carriages  in  the  Gunhouse  on  the  Common 
should  be  increased  to  Twenty  fit  for  Guns  which  will  Carry  four 
and  Six  pound  Shot  to  be  Transported  from  place  to  place  as  they 
shall  be  occasion,  was  accepted,  and  then  the  Second  Paragraph 
was  read,  and  the  Town  not  approving  of  the  whole  thereof  It  was 
moved  &  Voted  that  the  said  Report  be  Returned  to  the  same 
Committee  who  are  desired  to  make  such  alterations  and  amend- 
ments therein  as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  the  said  Committee 
are  also  desired  to  make  an  Estimate  of  the  whole  Cost  &  Ex  pence 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  91 

of  Repairing  and  Fortifying  the  Town,  and  Report  hereon  at  the 
intended  adjournment  of  this  meeting,  then,  Voted  that  this  meet- 
ing be  Adjournmen  Tuesday  the  8th.  of  April  next  at  3  a  Clock  in 
the  Afternoon. 

Tuesday,  April  8.  1746.  Three  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon  —  The 
Town  mett  according  to  Adjournment. 

The   Town  proceeded  to   take   into  Consideration   some   more 
effectual  method  to  prevent  Negro's  keeping  Hogs  &  after  a  Short 
Debate  thereon  Voted  that  a  Committee  be  chosen  to  consider  what 
will  be  best  for  the  Town  to  do  hereon,  accordingly 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  & 
James  Allen  Esqr. 
were  chosen  a  Committee  for  that  purpose,  and  they  are  desired 
to  make  Report  hereon  at  the  next  General  Town  meeting. 

Messrs.  Ebenezer  Holmes     .     .  Sworn  ^ 
William  Taylor   .     .      .  Sworn    j 

Harrison  Cray    .     .     .  Pay        y  Clerks  of  the  Market. 
William  Cooper  .     .     .  Sworn    j 
John  Boylestone      .     .  Sworn  J 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[100.]  The  Committee  appointed  at  the  opening  of  this 
meeting  the  31st.  of  March  last  to  wait  upon  his  Excellency  the 
Capt.  General  to  ask  his  Liberty  to  View  the  present  Batteries  in 
Town  and  see  what  Stores  and  repairs  are  wanting  and  also  to 
Consider  what  they  Judge  necessary  for  the  Town  further  to  do  to 
put  themselves  into  a  better  Posture  of  Defence  Now  Reported, 
That  they  had  carefully  Viewed  and  Sounded  the  Channel  from  the 
narrows  up  to  the  middle  Ground  a  little  Eastward  of  Castle 
William,  and  found  that  at  this  lower  middle  Ground,  the  Channel 
is  Two  hundred  and  forty  feet  wide  of  the  Depth  of  Twenty  four 
feet,  that  for  Nine  hundred  and  Sixty  feet  more  it  is  from  Eighteen 
to  fifteen  feet  Deep  the  remainder  being  about  Six  hundred  feet  is 
twelve  feet  deep ;  and  they  are  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  a  great 
Security  to  the  Town  to  siuk  Hulks  across  the  Channel  here  on  the 
Approach  of  Ships  of  War  to  Attack  us  that  five  will  be  Sufficient, 
two  of  about  one  hundred  &  fifty  Tons  &  three  of  about  one  hun- 
dred Tons  ;  and  that  they  be  got  ready  &  fixed,  ready  to  sink  on 
the  Shortest  Warning  and  with  Bridles  to  weigh  them  when  the 
Danger  is  over,  and  that  they  be  mored  near  the  place,  and  that 
Buoys  be  fixed  where  they  are  to  be  sunk  that  the  Channel  may  be 
stopt  in  a  few  hours  time  on  the  Approach  of  an  Enemy. 

They  have  also  viewed  the  several  parts  of  the  Town  more  es- 
pecially the  South  Battery  &  apprehend  a  Line  of  about  Twenty 
Guns  before  the  Sconce,  extending  about  North  from  the  upper  or 
Western  End  of  Col".  Wendells  Wharffe  two  hundred  and  Sixty 
four  feet  thirteen  feet  high  and  Thirty  feet  Wide  with  a  proper 
Brest  work  and  Platform  would  be  a  Considerable  Security,  which 
by  Consultation  with  masons  and  carpenters  they  find  may  be  made, 
either  wholly  of  Square  Timber  with  Boxes  filled  with  Ballast  or 
by  a  front  Wall  of  about  Ten  feet  thick  and  Eleven  feet  high, 
Strong  Built,  with  a  good  face  the  Room  behind  to  be  filled  with 


92  City  Document  No.  170. 

Timber  and  Stone  or  with  dirt  as  may  be  found  Cheapest  or  most 
Expeditious. 

The  Committee  find  thirteen  Guns  wanting  in  the  North  Battery 
and  many  necessary  Stores  difficient  both  there  and  at  the  South 
Battery. 

They  apprehend  a  Battery  of  Eight  Guns  on  the  End  of  the  long 
Wharff  and  another  of  Four  on  the  End  of  Clarks  Wharffe  would  be 
very  necessary  in  a  time  of  Danger, 

That  they  had  carefully  considered  the  Cost  of  the  most  mate- 
rial of  the  above  mentioned  Particulars,  and  are  of  the  opinion  that 
the  [101.]  Hulks  if  new  with  the  Charge  of  Sinking  them,  Cor- 
dage anchors  Labour  &Ca.  will  amount  to  Five  Thousand  pounds 
new  Tenor,  that  the  Wharff  at  the  South  Battery  if  of  Stone  in  the 
Front  as  proposed  will  amount  to  fifteen  hundred  pounds,  if  of 
Woed  and  Ballast  Twelve  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  both  new 
tenor,  Gun  Carriages  £7,,  10/  each. 

They  ar  a  further  of  opinion  that  in  some  proper  wa}',  the  Town 
endeavour  that  the  province  should  be  at  the  above  mentioned 
Charge  or  at  least  lend  the  money  to  be  paid  in  future  years  by  the 

Town  without  Interest And  the  same  being  twice  read  over 

and  a  considerable  Debate  had  thereon,  It  was  Moved  and  Voted 
that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto  the  said 
Committee  for  the  great  pains  they  have  taken  in  this  affair.  —  And 
then  it  was, 

Voted  that  the  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  and  Samuel  Welles  Esq". 
John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  Col0.  John  Hill,  Col0.  William  Downe 
and  Mr.  Isaac  White  be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  his  Excellency  the 
Captain  General  and  Represent  to  him  that  in  pursuance  of  the 
Leave  he  was  pleased  to  Grant  to  View  and  Consider  what  might 
be  further  needful  for  the  Security  of  the  Town  in  a  time  of 
Danger,  they  have  Viewed  the  Channel  near  the  Castle  and 
humbly  apprehend  that  it  may  be  Stopped  by  Hulks  sunk  across 
it  so  as  to  Render  it  Impracticable  for  any  Ships  of  War  to 
Approach  so  near  the  Town  as  to  annoy  it,  and  the  Committee  are 
directed  humbly  to  request  his  Excellency  if  in  his  Wisdom  he 
thinks  well  of  the  proposal  to  use  his  Influence  that  this  may  be 
Effected  at  the  province  Charge  or  that  his  Excellency  would  take 
such  other  methods  as  in  his  paternal  Care  and  Goodness  he  may 
Judge  best  for  the  Towns  Security. 

Voted  that  all  matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be 
Referred  over  to  the  next  General  Town  meeting  to  be  then  acted 

upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[102.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 
Public  Town  meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday 
the  fourteenth  day  of  May.  A.D.  1746. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Mather  Byles. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read.  

Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  One  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  pro- 
posal to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  93 

person  or  persons  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  in  a  great  and  Gen- 
eral Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the 
Twenty  eighth  day  of  May  instant  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider 
and  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected ,  accord- 
ingly Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives,  and 
it  was  declared  that  the  Poll  be  Closed  at  twelve  a  Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Votes  were  found  to 
be  443,  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  the  following 
Gentlemen  were  chosen  Vizf. 

No.  of  Votes. 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr 403. 

Thos.  Hutchinson  Esqr 249. 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr 413. 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr 267. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over  and  the  same  being 
Declared  by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  & 
upon  Sorting  the  same  it  appeared  that  the  Honble  Edward  Hutch- 
inson Esqr  was  chosen  by  a  great  Majority. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Adjourned  to  three  aClock  in  the  After- 
noon,   

Wednesday  3  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  mett, 
The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Lovell  master  of  the  South  Grammar 
[103.]  School  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  for  reasons 
mentioned  &Ca  was  Read  and  after  some  Debate  a  Question  was 
put,  Whether  the  Town  will  now  make  any  Addition  to  his  Salary, 
and  it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative, Then  Voted  that  an  addi- 
tion of  Fifty  pounds  old  tenor  p  Annum  be  added  to  his  Salary  to 
Commence  from  his  last  Quarter,  and  the  Selectmen  are  desired  to 
make  Drafts  on  the  Treasury  from  time  to  time  accordingly. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 
Schools  Read  and  is  as  follows  Viz1. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  May  14.  1746. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Annual  Meet- 
ing the  third  day  of  May  A.  D.  1745.  desiring  the  Selectmen  to 
Visit  the  Several  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town  and  desire  such 
Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  therein  as  they  should  think  proper 
and  to  Report  thereon, 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  on  Tues- 
day the  Twenty  fifth  day  of  June  last,  Accompanied  by  the 
following  Gentlemen  Viz1. 

The  4Ion  John  Osborne  Esqr. 
The  Hon  John  Jeffries  Esqr. 
The  Hon  Jacob  Wendell  Esq1. 
The  Hon  Thomas  Berry  Esqr. 
The  Hon  Eliakm  Hutchinson  Es<f. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq1". 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
The  Gentlemen  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
The  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall 
The  Rev  Dr.  Charles  Chauncev 
The  Revd.  Mr.  William  Wolsteed 


94  City  Document  No.   170. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Hooper 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather 
and  found  the  South  Grammar  School  wherein  were  one  hundred 
&  Twenty  four  Scholars  all  in  very  good  order,  the  South  writing 
School  in  the  Common,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  Seventy  one 
Scholars  in  like  good  order,  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  hav- 
ing Sixty  eight  Scholars  in  good  order,  the  North  Grammar  School 
of  Forty  [104.]  Scholars  in  good  order,  and  the  North  writing 
School  wherein  were  Two  hundred  and  Fifty  nine  Scholars  in  very 

good  order, 

Jonas  Clakke 
Thomas  Hancock 
John  Steel  J-  Selectmen 

William  Salter 
Henry  Atkins 

Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein    as   they  shall   think   Convenient,  and   that   they  Report 

thereon, 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  Warrant  of  a  Desire  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  that  Faneuil 
Hall  market  may  be  shutt  up  &  Appropriated  to  some  other  use  as 
shall  be  most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  and  after  some  Debate 

thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  the  said  article  be  Dismiss'd, 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  Warrant,  That  the  head  of  the  Dock  may  be  filled  up  and  a 
street  laid  out  from  Union-street  to  Faneuil  Hall  Market  and  after 
some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the  same  be  Dismissed. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  31st.  of  March  last  to  Consider  of 
the  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford  one  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes 
Praying  that  Sundry  Abatements  may  be  made  of  Taxes  com- 
mitted to  him  to  Collect  &Ca.  for  reasons  mentioned,  Now  Re- 
ported that  they  find  the  following  persons  Assessed  in  his  List 
these  Sums  Viz'. 

Joseph  Morse ,.     £7,,  10.    9 

Francis  Grimes 1.  .11.    5 

Robert  Black 1.    —     9 

Henrv  Graham 2.  ...    9 

Richard  Walker  1  Tax 1.    14.  .  . 

Edward  Eayres 1.    17.    4. 

Charles  Mullins 1.    14.    0. 

Benf.  Kenny 1.    19.   .   . 

Ephrm.  Bosworth 1.    10. 

[105.]     George  Baith 2.      9,  6. 

Gideon  Ball ".        1.    10.  .  . 

Samuel  Ellis 4.    10.  .  . 


£31,,    6,,  5. 

John  Pain 1.    16.    .. 

Gideon  Ball 1.    10.    . . 

£34,,  12,,  5. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  95 

The  Committee  appointed  as  aforesaid  do  further  report  that 
they  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  the  several  Rates  above  written 
be  abated  by  the  Town,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  Thirty  four 
pounds  twelve  shillings  and  five  pence  old  tenor ;  The  persons 
Taxed  having  been  almost  universally  at  Sea  before  the  Rates 
came  out  and  never  Return'd, 

All  which  is  Submitted  by, 

Samuel  Welles 
Edward  Bromfield 
Joshua  Cheever 
James  Allen. 
Voted  that  the  said  Report  be  Accepted  and  that  the  Selectmen 
give  a  Draft  on  the  Treasurer  to  Mr.  John  Staniford  for  Thirty 
three  pounds  one  shillings  and  9d  old  tenor  being  for  the  Taxes  of 
several   persons   mentioned   in   said   Report.     The   Tax   of   Mr. 

Rouse  not  being  Abated  him  being.  £1.10.8. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  31st.  of  March  last  to  Audit  the 
Accounts  of  the  Committee  that  was  appointed  in  June  1742  to 
Build  Fortifications  &Ca.  now  made  Report  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, 

Boston  May  12th.  1746. 
The  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  in  June  1742  to  Build  Fortifications  &Ca  within 
this  Town  have  Attended  that  Service,  and  find  the  accounts  right 
cast  and  well  Vouch'd,  The  Ballance  clue  to  the  Town  Seventy  one 
pounds  Six  shillings  old  tenor,  Outstanding  as  also  Sundry  Bills 

not  paid,  which  is  humbly  Submitted, 

James  Allen 
Samuel  Welles 

TH0s.  GREENE 

which  was  Read  and  Accepted 

The  Town  proceeded  to  raise  a  Committee  to  lay  out  the  sum 
of  Six  hundred  and  Sixty  six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four 
pence  granted  by  the  G-eneral  Court  for  Compleating  the  North 
Battery  and  purchasing  Stores  &Ca.  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Six  hundred  and  [106,]  Sixty 
six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  now  in  Mr.  Hancocks 
hands  be  put  into  the  Town  Treasury,  and  that  the  Honble  John 
Jeffries  Esqr.  Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth,  Jonas  Clarke  Esqr.  Mr. 
Thomas  Hancock,  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke  and  Capt.  John  Steel 
the  Committee  appointed  in  June  1742  for  Erecting  Fortifications 
in  this  Town  lay  out  the  same  according  to  the  said  Grant  of 
the  General  Court,  they  to  be  accountable  for  their  doings 
herein,  

Voted  that  the  HonbIe  Jacob  Wendell  &  Samuel  Welles  Esq19. 
Col  John  Hill  Col0.  William  Downe  John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  and 
Mr.  Isaac  White  be  a  Committee  to  get  the  Twelve  Gun  Carriages 
made  and  finished  that  were  Voted  the  last  meeting. 

Voted  that  the  Honble.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen 
Mr.  Thomas  Paine  Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  William  Tyler  Esqr.  and 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  draw  up  a  Memorial  or  Petition  to  the  Great  and  Gen- 


96  City  Document  No.   170. 

eral  Court,  that  this  Town  may  be  Relieved  as  to  their  Propor- 
tion of  the  publick  Taxes,  and  the  said  Committee  are  desired 
therein  to  Represent  (in  the  most  full  and  Particular  manner)  the 
deplorable  Circumstances  of  the  Town  and  the  many  Difficulties 
we  labour  under  and  lay  the  same  before  the  Town  at  the  Ad- 
journment of  this  meeting. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  the  31st.  day  of  march  last  as  a  Com- 
mittee to  Consider  of  the  Petition  of  John  Osborne  Esqr.  and  others 
relating  to  the  Pavement  at  the  lower  end  of  milk  street  &ca.  as- 
set  forth  in  said  Petition  now  made  Report  as  follows  Viz'.  That 
they  had  View'd  that  part  of  milk  Street  propos'd  by  said  Peti- 
tion to  be  now  Paved  and  Considered  the  Circumstances  of  the 
same  and  Reported  that  if  the  Pavement  be  taken  up  from  Horn 
Alle}'  to  the  lower  end  of  Col.  Hatch's  Land  it  will  Cost  little  more 
than  to  mend  it  as  it  now  lyes  provided  the  Abutters  will  do  their 
part  or  proportion  of  the  same  they  further  Reported  that  the 
Common  Sewer  that  Conveys  the  water  from  the  Streets  &ca.  above 
into  the  Sea  be  cleans'd  &  kept  open,  which  was  Read  &  thereupon 
Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  Twenty  five  pounds  old 
tenor  Bills  be  Allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  towards 
New  paving  the  said  Street  from  [10"7.]  Horn  Alley  to  the  lower 
end  of  Col0.  Hatch's  Land,  provided  that  the  Abutters  pay  the  re- 
maining part  of  the  Charge,  and  that  the  same  when  paved  shall 
be  under  the  Direction  and  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Frvday  the  23d.  inst. 
10  a  Clock.  A.M. 

Friday  the  23d.  of  May  1746.  The  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment at  ten  a  Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Voted  that  Mess™.  Thomas  Green 
John  Colson  & 

Capt.  Wm.  Salter  be  and  hereby  are  appointed 
a  Committee  to  Consider  of  some  effectual  method  to  prevent  the 
pernicious  practice  of  forestalling  the  market  and  Report  hereon. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  8th.  of  April  last  to  take  into  Con- 
sideration some  more  effectual  method  to  prevent  negro's  keeping 
hogs  now  made  Report  of  the  Draft  of  a  By  Law  they  had  prepared 
for  that  purpose  in  the  words  following  Viz1. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholdors  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public 
Town  meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  four- 
teenth day  of  may  A.D.  1746.  and  from  thence  continued  by  Ad- 
journment until  Fryday  the  23  of  said  month. 

Whereas  great  Damage  arises  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  b}'  negro's  and  Indians  keeping  Hogs,  not  only  by 
Occasioning  very  great  Wast  in  the  several  Familys  they  respect- 
ively belong  to,  but  as  it  Exposes  them  to  great  Temptations  to 
Steal  and  purloin  from  their  several  Masters,  provisions  and  other 
of  their  Substance  and  especially  as  it  Occasions  great  Loss  of 
time,  and  gives  them  an  opportunity  of  Meeting  and  conferring 
together,  whereby  great  Injuries  have  been  done  to  the  Inhabitants 
of  said  town. 


Boston   To  wist  Eecords,  1746.  97 

For  the  Prevention  of  so  great  an  Evil 

Ordered  that  no  Indian  negro  or  molatto  shall  be  permitted  to 
[108.]  Keep  any  Hog  or  Swine  whatever  within  the  Town  of 
Boston  either  with  or  without  the  privity  or  Consent  of  his  said 
Master  or  Mistress,  under  the  Penalty  of  Twenty  Shillings  to  be 
paid  by  the  Master  or  Mistress  of  any  Indian,  negro  or  molatto 
so  offending  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  said  Town,  upon  due  con- 
viction of  any  such  Offence  before  any  one  of  His  Majesty's  Jus- 
tices of  the  Peace  for  the  Count}'  of  Suffolk. 

And  if  any  person  shall  hire  or  let  to  hire  to  any  Indian  Negro 
or  Molatto,  any  Sty  or  Penn,  or  peice  of  Ground  whereon  to  Erect 
the  same,  or  that  shall  suffer  any  Indian  Negro  or  Molatto  to  keep 
any  Swine  on  any  of  their  Ground.  Ordered  that  every  person  so 
Offending  on  due  Conviction  thereof  as  aforesaid  shall  also  forfeit 
and  pay  the  sum  of  twenty  shillings  for  the  use  aforesaid. 

Which  being  read  three  several  times,  Voted  that  the  same  be 
Accepted,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  present  it  to  the 
next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  for  their  Approbation. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fry  clay  the  30*. 
Instant  three  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Fryday  the  30th.  of  May,  the  Town  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment.   

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  Voted,  That  the 
Raising  of  Money  and  all  the  other  matters  and  things  mentioned 
in  the  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  (now  remaining  unfinished) 
be  refered  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  to  be  then  Con- 
sidered of  and  Acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  in  Fanuel  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  third 
clay  of  June  A.D.   1746. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley. 

[109.]  Sundry  Laws Read. 

A  Precept  under  the  hand  and  seal  of  the  Honble.  Thomas 
Hutchinson  Esqr.  Speaker  of  the  Honble.  House  of  Representatives 
directed  to  the  Selectmen  requiring  them  to  Assemble  the  Free- 
holders and  other  Inhabitants,  to  make  choice  of  and  Depute  (if 
they  see  cause)  a  person  to  serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  the 
Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly,  now  Convened  held  and 
kept  for  His  Majestys  Service  at  the  Court  house  in  Boston,  in  the 
Room  of  the  Honblc.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  who  is  Chosen  into  His 

Majestys  Council. Together  with  the  Warrant  for  calling  the 

Meeting Read. 

The  Question  was  put  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  would  proceed 
to  Choose  a  person  to  serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  the  Great 
and  General  Court  or  Assembly  now  Convened  in  the  Room  of 
Mr.  Oliver. 

Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

And  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  one  Repre- 


98  City  Document  No.   170. 

sentative  accordingly  being  in  Number  293  but  upon  Sorting  em  it 
Appeared  there  was  no  choice  then  the  Selectmen  directed  the  In- 
habitants to  withdraw  &  bring  in  their  Votes  again  which  they 
accordingly  did  to  the  number  of  292  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared 
again  that  there  was  no  choice,  and  it  being  One  a  Clock,  it  was 
propos'd  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  3  a  Clock  in  the  After- 
noon then  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Representative,  which  was 
accordingly  Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

Three  a  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to 
Adjournment. 

And  the  Selectmen  directed  the  Inhabitants  to  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  a  Representative  which  they  accordingly  did  to  the 
Number  of  404  and  upon  Sorting  the  same  it  Appeared  that 
Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  was  Chosen  having  238  Votes. 

The  Election  of  a  Representative  being  ended,  the  Selectmen 
Declared  the  same,  and  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a 

[1 10.]    Moderator and  the  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 

was  Chosen. 

The  Honb,e  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  from  the  Committee  appointed 
the  14th.  of  may  last  to  draw  up  a  Memorial  or  Petition  to  the  Great 
&  General  Court  or  Assembly,  that  this  Town  may  be  relieved  as 
to  their  proportion  of  the  Publick  Taxes  now  Reported  and  Pre- 
sented a  draft  they  had  prepared  in  the  words  following  Viz'. 
Province     of     the    ) 

Massachusetts  Bay  j  To  his  Excellency  William  Shirley  Esqr. 
Captain  General  and  Governour  in  Chief 
the  Honourable  the  Council  and  House  of 
Representatives  in  General  Court  Assembled 
May  28th.  1746. 

The  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  the  Province  afore- 
said.   

Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  your  Petitioners  Apprehend  what  they 
are  obliged  to  pay  of  the  province  Tax  is  very  much  beyond  their 
proportion  ;  by  this  they  would  by  no  means  suggest  any  the  least 
injustice  or  partiality  in  this  high  and  Honourable  Court,  but  hum- 
bly conceive  it  arises  from  the  want  of  a  proper  Representation  and 
knowledge  of  the  particular  Circumstances  of  this  Town  which  the 
said  Town  of  Boston  now  beg  leave  humbly  to  lay  before  your 
Excellency  and  Honours. 

It  is  very  obvious  that  it  cannot  be  the  Share  or  the  quantity  of 
the  Land  of  the  Province,  which  the  Town  of  Boston  contains  that 
Subjects  them  to  this  large  proportion  for  their  Land  is  but  a  Pit- 
tance scarce  one  third  so  much  as  the  least  Town  in  the  Province, 
but  it  must  be  some  adventitious  and  peculiar  Advantage  they  have 
from  their  Navigation,  Commerce  Manufactures  Numbers  or  Wealth 
[111,]  Of  the  People  Inhabiting  here  ;  and  if  it  shall  appear  that 
in  all  these  things  there  is  a  great  alteration  to  the  Disadvantage  of 
the  Town  we  doubt  not  but  agreeable  to  your  Excellencys  and 
Honours  known  Justice  and  goodness  you  will  alter  their  proportion 
of  the  publick  Charges. 

As  to  our  Navigation,  the  French  War  brought  the  Kings  Ships 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  99 

here  to  mau,  which  raised  the  Sailors  wages  to  such  an  Extravagant 
height  and  has  totally  banisht  so  many  from  us,  that  very  often  our 
Ships  have  been  kept  so  long  in  port  that  their  Cargo  have  been 
almost  or  quite  Ruined. 

Our  Trade  &  Commerce  has  consequently  gone  to  other  Maritime 
places  in  this  province  where  it  is  very  well  known  foreign  Com- 
merce and  Navigation  are  greatly  increased  they  being  at  more 
Liberty  to  sail  and  Return  as  their  Interest  requires  then  we  are 
and  for  that  very  reason  able  to  get  hands  and  carry  on  their 
Affairs  much  Cheaper  and  to  far  greater  profit,  and  this  has  again 
enabled  them  to  take  from  us  the  Supplys  for  this  Fishery  here, 
and  also  to  take  to  themselves  the  Benefit  of  carrying  the  fish  to 

foreign  Ports. The  same  may  be  said  as  to  Shipbuilding 

the  ancient  and  almost  the  only  Manufacture  the  Town  of  Boston 
ever  had,  diverse  places  in  the  province  (more  especially  the  Town 
of  Newbury)  are  under  Advantages  beyond  Boston  and  have  taken 
from  the  Town  a  large  proportion  of  this  Business. 

And  for  some  years  past  there  has  been  a  new  method  of  Sup- 
plying the  Town  of  Boston  with  Flesh  of  every  kind,  this  hereto- 
fore was  principally  by  Butchers  who  dwelt  in  this  Town  &  killed 
almost  all  the  meat  this  people  had  both  large  and  small  but  es- 
pecially all  large  meat  almost  without  a  Single  Exception  this 
natnrally  Supplied  &  employed  Tanners  Curriers  and  a  large 
number  of  Shoemakers  and  a  great  many  others  dependents 
and  Appendages  to  these  Occupations,  whereas  our  Butchers  who 
used  to  be  Thirty  in  number  are  now  Reduced  to  four  or  five  and 
but  one  of  them  that  has  Business  of  any  Consequence  and  he  so 
discouraged  as  to  be  about  removing  into  the  Country ;  Sundry 
of  our  tanyards  are  thrown  up  and  others  dwindled  to  almost 
nothing,  Our  Curriers  are  gone  out  of  Town  or  live  Idly  for  want 
of  Business ;  Our  Shoemakers  are  without  Leather  &  Employ 
Boston  being  Supplied  by  Shoemakers  living  out  of  Town  where 
Leather  is  to  be  had. 

And  all  those  Butchers,  Tanners,  Shoemakers  with  their  [113.] 
Attendants,  now  living  in  the  Towns  round  about  Boston,  formerly 
dwelt  in  Town  and  supplied  the  Country  as  well  as  Town  almost 
universally  with  Leather  and  considerably  with  Shoes,  But  now 
our  Tanners  Curriers  &  Shoemakers  cannot  Supply  the  Town  alone 
with  either. 

These  things  the  said  Town  of  Boston  dont  mention  as  griev- 
ances in  themselves,  for  it  as  well  or  better  for  the  Individuals  living 
in  Boston  to  bu}r  their  meat  of  a  Roxbury  Butcher  as  of  a  Boston 
Butcher  if  as  cheap  or  cheaper,  But  then  if  the  Town  be  consid- 
ered as  an  aggregate  Body  and  a  great  Number  of  the  parts  which 
constitute  this  Body,  be  taken  away  and  the  same  weight  of  Taxes 
continued  as  before,  the  Remainder  must  Suffer  more  in  such  Case 
then  they  did  when  the  whole  were  together. 

This  being  so  Apparent  from  the  Reason  &  nature  of  Things 
and  impressed  and  confirmed  by  a  very  Sensible  and  powerfuU 
Argument  the  unavoidable  increase  of  the  Taxes  of  the  Remaining 
Inhabitants  has  reduced  &  driven  many  others  both  of  the  Supe- 
riour  and  middling  Sort  to  Remove  into  some  of  the  neighbouring 


100  City  Document  No.   170. 

Towns  where  they  could  Exercise  their  Faculties  aud  many  of 
them  in  this  Town  too  every  Day,  and  only  Sleep  a  few  Rods  or 
miles  out  of  the  Town  o  night  and  pay  but  a  fifth  or  tenth  part  of 
the  Taxes  they  were  Obliged  to  pay  as  their  proportion  while  they 
lived  in  Boston,  and  by  these  means  the  Town  is  Reduced  in  the 
Number  of  their  Rateable  Inhabitants  from  near  3400  to  about 
2600  in  a  very  few  years  time,  and  in  this  Loss  some  men  of  large 
Estates  are  gone,  who  professedly  left  the  Town  because  they 
thought  Boston  was  Assessed  a  larger  proportion  in  the  province 
Tax  then  the  neighbouring  Towns  to  which  they  Removed,  This 
which  gives  our  Brethren  removing  from  us  ease,  leaves  the  Burthen 
most  necessarily  heavier  on  the  Remainder  (if  the  Towns  propor- 
tion continue  the  same)  and  their  deliverance  &  Joy  become  our 
greater  Thraldom  &  Sorrow. 

This  has  also  Multiplied  our  poor  to  such  a  great  number  that  in 
a  very  few  years  the  Charges  for  them  only  are  risen  from  little 
more  than  One  Thousand  to  above  five  Thousand  We  might  add 
that  the  Distilling  Business  which  for  Twenty  or  Thirty  years  past 
has  employed  a  considerable  Number  [113.]  Of  People,  is  now 
under  great  Discouragements  there  not  being  molasses  to  be  had 
to  employ  them  half  their  time  and  what  we  have  is  Chiefly  Im- 
ported by  merchants  and  Traders  living  in  Salem  Charlestown 
Newbury  Marblehead  Plymouth  Bristol  and  other  Maritime  places, 
where  their  Navigation  is  free  and  Cheaper  at  most,  if  not  at  all 
which  places  especially  at  Charlestown  the  Distilling  Business  is 
carried  on  largely  and  Distilling  is  also  carried  on  at  Watertown 
Medford  and  Nantucket  from  the  last  of  which  places  a  great 
Trade  is  managed  abroad  by  this  means  to  Newfoundland  and 
elsewhere  ;  all  this  Business  not  many  years  past  was  carried  on 
at  Boston,  and  was  doubtless  one  great  consideration  by  which 
their  share  of  the  publick  Charges  was  Regulated.  That  there  are 
great  Numbers  of  Dwelling  houses  Warehouses  and  other  Build- 
ings the  Annual  Rents  of  which  would  amount  to  several  Thousand 
of  Pounds  empty  &  unoccupied. 

And  that  the  Losses  of  this  Town  by  Sea  for  the  last  year  only 
amount  to  about  £200,000  old  tenor. 

Wherefore  your  humble  Petitioners  pray  that  as  our  Number 
Navigation  Commerce,  Manufactures  and  every  thing  else,  for 
which  we  can  be  Taxed,  are  very  much  decreased,  our  Province 
Tax  may  be  lessened  in  proportion,  or  that  such  other  Relief  may 
be  granted  as  to  your  Excellency  and  Honours,  in  your  great  Wis- 
dom and  Equity  shall  seem  meet. 

And  your  Petitioners   (as  in  Duty  Bound)   shall  ever  pray 
&Ca. 

The  aforegoing  Draft  is  Submitted  in  the  name  and  by  order  of 
the  Committee.  —  Samuel  Welles  in  behalf  of  the  Committee. 

Which  said  Draft  was  three  times  Read  over  and  thereupon 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted  and  that  the  Town  Clerk  be 
and  hereby  is  directed  immediately  to  prepare  a  fair  Copy  thereof 
and  sign  it  on  behalf  of  the  Town,  and  the  Selectmen  are  desired 
to  present  it  to  the  General  Court  as  the  Petition  of  the  Town  ac- 
cordingly. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  101 

Voted  that  a  Committee  be  raised  to  endeavor  to  obtain  a  Sub- 
scription for  building  or  purchasing  a  House  proper  the  Reception 
of  Distracted  persons,  &  Voted,  that 
Mr.  John  Jones 
Mr.  Joseph  Sherburne  & 
Mr.  John  Stamford, 
be  the  said  Committee. 

[114.]  Voted  A  Grant  of  Sixteen  Thousand  pounds  old  tenor 
Bills  to  be  Rais'd  by  a  Tax  on  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town 
of  Boston,  for  Belief  of  the  Poor  and  defr eying  other  necessary 
Charges  arising  within  and  for  said  Town  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  old  tenor 
Bills  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  the  Honble. 
Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  for  his  Salary  as  Town  Treasurer  the 
year  past. 

Voted  that. the  Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  old  Tenor  be  allowed 
&  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  the  Honble  Joseph  Wads- 
worth  Esqr.  in  full  for  his  Extraordinary  Services  in  his  Office  as 
Town  Treasurer  to  this  Day  (excepting  the  Services  he  has  done 
in  his  Office  relating  to  the  Batterys  in  the  Town) . 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  pounds  old  tenor  Bills  be  allowed 
&  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  John  Stamford  in  full 
for  his  Services  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  for  the  year  1745. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  directed  to  fill  up 
the  Wharffe  at  the  South  Battery,  and  Build  a  Glacis  there  and 
take  what  Dirt  they  shall  want  for  doing  the  same  from  the  Top 
of  Forthill. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Wardells  Lease  in  the  Engine  Erected  at  the 
Southend  for  the  weighing  of  Hay  being  Expired  the  Town  entred 
upon  the  Consideration  of  said  Engine  and  after  some  Debate, 
Voted  that  the  further  Leasing  of  said  Engine  or  Erecting  of 
another  Engine  in  the  Town  for  the  weighing  of  Hay  be  and 
hereby  is  ref err'd  to  the  Selectmen  who  are  fully  impowered  to  Act 
and  do  in  this  Affair  whatever  they  shall  apprehend  to  be  most  for 
the  Advantage  and  Interest  of  the  Town. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  Thirty  first  of  march 
last  on  the  Petition  of  James  Allen  Esqr.  praying  for  Liberty  to 
Remove  his  Gap  at  the  Outwharves  the  [115.]  Wedth  thereof 
Northward  at  his  own  Cost  and  Charge,  now  Report  that  they 
had  Viewed  the  premisses  therein  mentioned  &  apprehended  the 
granting  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  Will  be  attended  with  many 
Inconveniences  &  be  a  considerable  Disservice  to  the  Town  which 
wiis  read  and  accepted,  and  Voted  that  the  said  Petition  be  Dis- 
missed. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  31st  of  march  last  to 
consider  of  a  motion  then  made  by  several  of  the  Inhabitants  for 
disposing  of  Fox  Hill  in  the  Common  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town 
Now  Report  that  they  had  Viewed  said  Hill  and  considered  the 
Circumstances  of  the  same  &  apprehend  that  at  present  it  will  not 
yield  any  thing  to  the  advantage  of  the  Town  to  Dispose  of  it, 
but  that  it  remain  as  it  now  is,  which  being  Read,  Voted  that  the 
said  Report  be  Accepted. 


102  City  Document  No.  170. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  Audit- 
ing the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  Year  ensuing  Viz1. 

John  Wheelwright  Esqr. 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene 

Joshua  Winslow  Esqr. 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Holmes  & 

Mr.  Thomas  Oxnard, 
And  they  are  desired  to  make  Report  as  usual,  and  the  said 
Committee  are  desired  to  Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of 
the  Poor  respecting  the  Almshouse  and  the  Workhouse,  and  to 
Attend  doing  the  same  at  the  usual  place  of  said  Overseers  meet- 
ing &  make  Report  hereon  as  Usual. 

Voted  that  all  matters  and  things  whatsoever  that  were  to  have 
been  considered  of  at  this  meeting,  and  now  Remain  unfinished  be 
and  hereby  is  referred  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  to 
be  then  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Honble  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr  the  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing for  Dispatching  the  Business  thereof. 
Then  the  Meeting  be  Dismissed. 

[116.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in 
Public  Town  Meeting  assembled  in  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 

twenty  second  day  of  Septemr.  A.D.  1746. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall. 
The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  was  Read. 
The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
handy  Vote)  and  the  Honble.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  being  Nominated 
was  Accordingly  Chosen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Affairs  men- 
tioned in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  To  Consult  what  may  be  done  for  the 
Defence  and  Safety  of  the  Town  against  an  Enemy  either  by  Re- 
pairing the  present  Fortifications,  or  Erecting  any  others,  or  doing 
whatever  else  may  be  thought  necessary  and  after  a  long  Debate 
thereon,  It  was  Voted  that 

The  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson 

Ezekiel  Lewis 

James  Allen  & 

John  Jeffries  Esq™. 

Col.  William  Downe 

John  Fayerweather 

Daniel  Henchman  & 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esq™.  & 

Mr.  Thomas  Green 
Be  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  His  Excellency  the  Governour  pray- 
ing that  inasmuch  as  the  Town  of  Boston  Petition'd  the  Great  & 
General  Court  to  provide  Hulks  at  the  Province  Charge  to  Stop 
the  Channel  on  the  Approach  of  an  Enemy  which  Petition  the 
House  of  Representatives  so  far  favour'd  as  to  Appoint  a  Commit- 
tee to  make  an  Estimate  of  the  Cost  thereof  but  said  Committee 
have  not  yet  Reported  and  the  General  Court   not  now  Sitting, 


Commit- 
tee. 


Boston   Town  Kecoeds,  1746.  103 

"Wherefore  the  Town  humbly  [117.]  Pray  that  his  Excellency 
the  Governour  and  the  Honble.  the  Council  in  the  imminent  Danger 
to  which  his  Maje'stys  good  Subjects  are  now  Exposed,  &  would 
please  to  provide  Hulks  to  be  Sunk  as  proposed  at  the  province 
Charge  and  also  would  provide  Fireships  if  they  shall  Judge  them 
needfull. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Honble  Jacob  Wendell  ] 

James  Bowdoin  & 
Samuel  Welles  Esqrs 
John  Fayerweather  &   J* 
William  Downe  Esq". 
Capt.  John  Steel  and 
Mr.  Isaac  White 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed   a  Committee  to  Consider  what   is 
necessary  for  the  Town  immediately  to  do  for  their  better  Security 
and  Defence  against  an  Enemy  besides  Sinking  of  Hulks  and  pro- 
viding Fire  Ships  and  Report  hereon  as  soon  as  may  be, 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  o  Clock  in  the  After- 
noon.   

Monday  3  o  Clock  in  the  Afternoon  The  Town  mett  according  to 

Adjournment. 

Whereas  it  is  suggested  that  there  are  several  persons  Roman 
Catholicks  that  now  dwell  and  reside  in  this  Town  and  it  may  be 
very  Dangerous  to  permit  such  persons  to  Reside  here  in  Case  we 
should  be  attack'd  by  an  Enemy,  Therefore  Voted  that  Mr.  Jere- 
miah Allen  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gardner  and  Mr.  Joseph  Bradford  be 
and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  Care  and  prevent 
any  Danger  the  Town  may  be  in  from  Roman  Catholick  residing 
here  by  making  Strict  Search  and  enquiry  after  all  such  and  pur- 
sue such  Methods  relating  to  em  as  the  Law  directs. 

The  Committee  appointed  in  the  forenoon  to  Consider  what  is 
immediately  necessary  for  the  Town  to  do  for  its  further  Security 
&  Defence  now  Reported  That  they  Apprehended  the  Ditch  or 
mote  be  Cleared  and  Guns  be  provided  for  the  [118.]  Ports  in  the 
Breast  Work  on  the  neck,  that  there  be  a  platform  made  to  Trav- 
erse the  Guns  on. 

That  four  Guns  be  planted  on  the  End  of  Mr.  Welles's  Wharf e, 
Four  guns  on  Mr.  Hills  Wharfe,  Five  on  Mr.  Marions  Wharffe, 
Four  Guns  on  Mess".  Jones  and  Griffins  Wharffe,  Four  on  Mr.  Hub- 
bards  Wharffe,  Four  on  the  End  &  two  on  the  South  Side  of  Col0. 
Wendells  Wharffe,  Eight  on  the  Long  Wharffe,  four  on  Clarks 
Wharffe  and  four  on  Capt.  Cheevers  Wharffe,  &  Eight  Guns  more 
for  the  North  Battery,  the  Breast  Works  to  be  made  with  timber  and 
plank  on  each  Side  filled  up  with  Sods  or  Dirt,  or  with  hogsheads 
filled  with  Dirt  as  the  Circumstances  of  the  place  may  require. 

That  they  had  also  carefully  observed  what  provision  there  is  of 
Cannon,  and  find  a  great  quantity  and  a  large  number  of  Carriages 
and  humbly  proposed  that  all  Utensels  &  everything  necessary  be 
forthwith  provided  for  them. 

Which  Report  was  Read  &  Accepted  and  thereupon  Voted  that 
the  said  Committee  Viz1.  The  HonWe.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  Samuel 
Welles  Esqr.  and  James  Bowdoin  Esqr.  John  Fayerweather  Esq1* 


104  City  Document  No.   170. 

Col.  William  Downe  Capt.  John  Steel  and  Mr.  Isaac  White  wait 
upon  His  Excellency  the  Captain  General  for  his  Leave  to  do  the 
several  Things  mentioned  in  said  Report,  and*  if  they  Obtain  it, 
that  then  the  said  Committee  and  Joshua  Cheever  Esqr.  Mr.  John 
Ruddock  Mr.  Samuel  Hunt  Capt.  Jeffry  Bedgood  Mr.  Thomas  Lee 
Mr.  Shem  Drown  Capt.  John  Wakefield  and  Majr.  Daniel  Hench- 
man be  and  hereby  are  Impowered  as  a  Committee  to  do  and 
Effect  the  same. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Sis  Thousand  Pounds  bills  of  the  old 
tenor  be  rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  the  Polls  and  Estates  within  the 
Town  of  Boston  for  defreying  the  extraordinary  Services  of  the 
Current  year, 

Whereas  the  Town  Apprehending  it  to  be  much  for  their  Safety 
&  Security  in  this  time  of  War  with  the  French  Nation,  that  the 
several  persons  belonging  to  that  Nation  who  are  daily  passing  the 
Streets  of  the  Town  should  be  Confin'd,  desired  the  [119.] 
Selectmen  to  make  application  to  two  of  His  Majestys  Justices  of 
the  peace  (Quorum  unus)  for  a  warrant  to  Apprehend  and  Commit 
them  to  Prison  pursuant  to  a  Law  of  this  province,  which  they 
accordingly  did  &  the  Constables  by  Wartue  of  said  Warrant  took 
about  One  hundred  French  persons  &  carry ed  'em  to  His  Majesty 
Goal  in  Boston,  but  Benjamin  Pollard  Esqr.  High  Sheriff  of  this 
County  would  not  receive  'em  nor  suffer  'em  to  Remain  there  but 
has  permitted  'em  to  go  at  large  again  and  by  this  extraordinary 
Behaviour  and  Conduct  of  the  said  Sheriff  the  Inhabitants  Jude 
themselves  to  be  in  great  Danger  of  their  Lives  and  Estates,  more 
especially  since  it  has  been  proved  that  some  of  these  French 
persons  have  declared  that  they  would  set  this  Town  on  fire  in 
several  parts  as  soon  as  it  shall  be  Invaded  by  an  Enemy  upon  a 
motion  Therefore  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  unamiously  Voted 
that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  this  Town  be  &  herelty 
are  desired  at  the  next  Session  of  the  General  Court  to  make  a 
motion  in  the  HonbIe.  House  of  Representatives  that  they  would  lay 
before  His  Excellency  the  Governour  and  the  Honble.  the  Council 
the  said  Extraordinary  behaviour  and  Conduct  of  the  said  Sheriff, 
and  desired  that  such  Methods  rnajr  be  taken  with  the  said  Sheriff 
as  that  the  Town  may  be  preserved  and  he  not  have  it  in  his  power 
to  distress  this,  or  any  other  Town  in  like  Circumstances  for  the 
future  that  they'l  be  pleased  to  Grant  such  other  Relief  as  may  be 
necessary. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  Voted  that  the  Honble 
Samuel  Welles,  James  Allen  &  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq".  Mr.  Edward 
Bromfield  and  Mr.  Hugh  Vans  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  Hugh 
Hall  Esqr.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  &  John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  be 
and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  his  Excellency 
the  Governour,  and  the  Honble.  the  Council  to  Inform  them  that  the 
Town  apprehending  great  Danger  arising  to  em  by  such  a  number 
of  persons  Subjects  to  the  French  King, being  allowed  to  pass  and 
Repass  the  Streets  as  they  now  do,  desired  the  Selectmen  to  Apply 
to  two  of  His  Majestys  Justices  of  the  peace  (Quorum  Unus)  to 
Grant  a  Warrant  to  Apprehend  &  Secure  'em  in  prison  pursuant 
to  a  law  of  this  province,  which  the  Selectmen   accordingly  did, 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  105 

and  the  Constables  of  the  Town  by  Virtue  thereof  apprehended 
about  one  hundred  French  Persons  &  Carried  'em  to  his  Majestys 
Goal  in  Boston,  but  the  High  Sheriff  of  this  County  treated  the 
said  Warrant  in  a  very  Contemptious  manner  &  [120.]  Would 
not  receive  the  said  persons  therein  mentioned,  nor  suffer  'em  to- 
Remain  there  and  so  they  again  go  at  large,  which  gives  great 
uneasiness  to  the  Inhabitants,  praying  his  Excellency  and  the 
Honble.  the  Council  will  give  such  orders  relating  to  the  said 
French  Prisoners  as  shall  be  most  for  the  Safety  &  Security  of 
the  Town,  and  also  give  such  Orders  to  the  said  Sheriff  as  may 
preserve  the  Town  and  those  that  Act  for  them  from  such  Rude 
and  111  mannerly  treatment  from  him  for  the  future. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tomorrow  Morning  five 
a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Tuesday  Septemr.  23d.  The  Town  met  according  to  adjournment^ 
&  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  immediately  Adjourned  to  Thursday 
next  the  25  Inst,  at  5  o  Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Thursday  Septemr.  25th.  The  Town  mett  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  22d.  Instant  to  wait  upon  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governour  and  the  HonbIe.  the  Council  with  a  Copy  of 
the  Vote  and  desire  of  the  Town  relating  to  the  Behaviour  of  the 
High  Sheriff  in  Refusing  to  Receive  the  French  Prisoners  into 
Goal  now  Reported  that  they  had  so  done,  and  that  his  Excellency 
and  the  Council  desire  the  Town  would  draw  up  in  Writing  the 
Particular  Matters  they  have  to  Alleclge  against  the  said  Sheriff 
Pollard  relating  to  said  Affair,  Whereupon  It  was  Moved  and 
Voted  that  Samuel  Welles  Abiel  Walley  &  Samuel  Adams  Esqrs- 
be  a  Committee  for  that  purpose,  and  the  Constables  of  the  Town 
who  Served  the  Warrants  are  desired  to  Attend  the  said  Commit- 
tee &  give  them  all  the  Information  they  can  said  Committee  to 
Report  at  the  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  22d.  instant  to  take  Care  and  pre- 
vent any  Danger  the  Town  may  be  in  by  Roman  Catholicks  re- 
siding here,  Reported  that  they  had  found  the  Laws  now  in  force 
relating  to  such  persons  to  be  insufficient  [121.]  To  Enable  them 
to  Effect  the  same  and  therefore  could  do  nothing  hereon  altho 
they  suspected  a  considerable  number  of  Roman  Catholicks  to  be 

now  in  Town, Whereupon  it  was  moved   &  Voted  that  the 

Represeetatives  of  this  Town  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  En- 
deavour at  the  next  Session  of  the  General  Court  to  get  a  Law 
pass'd  that  shall  be  effectual  to  Secure  the  Town  from  any  Danger 
?hey  may  be  in,  by  Roman  Catholicks  Dwelling  here, 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Saturday  11  o  Clock 
A.M. 

Saturday  Sept.  27th.  1746.  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  25th.  instant  to  draw  up  a  Memor- 
ial to  his  Excellency  the  Governour  and  the  Honble.  the  Council 


106  City  Document  No.   170. 

relating  to  the  behaviour  and  Conduct  of  the  High  Sheriff  of  this 
County  in  refusing  to  receive  Sundry  french  Persons  into  His 
Majestys  Goal  in  Boston  sent  thither  the  22d.  instant  by  Warrant 
from  two  of  His  Majestys  Justices  of  the  Peace  now  make  Report 
of  a  Draft  they  had  prepared  in  the  words  following  Viz'. 

To  His  Excellency  William  Shirley  Esqr.  Governour  in  Chief 
and  the  Honble.  His  Majestys  Council. 

The  Memorial  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  his  Majestys  good  Subjects  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town 
are  greatly  concerned  that  the  Care  and  pains  taken  by  their 
Selectmen,  at  the  motion  of  the  Inhabitants  in  Town  Meeting 
Assembled  on  the  twenty  second  instant  are  frustrated  &  Rendered 
ineffectual  by  the  illegal  and  contemptous  refusal  of  the  Sheriff  of 
the  County  of  Suffolk  to  Obey  and  Execute  the  warrant  &  mit- 
timus of  His  Majestys  Justices  of  the  peace  granted  according  to 
Law,  on  the  Complaint  of  their  Selectmen  for  Committing  Sundry 
French  Persons  now  in  this  Town  to  prison,  and  the  said  Inhabi- 
tants Apprehend  this  proceeding  of  the  Justices  &  Selectmen  of 
the  more  Importance  and  necessity  for  as  much  as  there  is  a  Dec- 
laration on  Oath  of  two  persons,  that  sundry  of  the  said  French 
persons  have  [122.]  Very  lately  threatned  to  set  the  Town  on 
fire. 

Wherefore  your  Memorialist  humbly  pray  and  doubt  not  but 
your  Excellency  and  Honours  will  take  such  Methods  as  to  your 
known  Wisdom  and  Justice  shall  seem  meet  and  be  effectual  to 
prevent  such  proceedings  for  the  future  and  preserve  the  Authority 
&  Laws  from  being  brought  into  Contempt  by  the  Irregular 
behaviour  of  the  said  Sheriff  or  any  other  Officer. 

Which  being  Read  it  was  thereupon  Voted  that  the  said  Draft 
be  Accepted  and  that  a  fair  Copy  of  the  same  be  prepared  & 
signed  by  the  Town  Clerk,  and  that  the  HonbIe  Samuel  Welles 
James  Allen  and  Exekiel  Lewis  Esq"  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  Mr. 
Hugh  Vans,  The  Selectmen  of  the  Town,  Hugh  Hall  Esqr.  Thomas 
Hubbard  Esqr.  and  John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  be  a  Committee  to 
present  the  same  to  His  Excellency  the  Governour  and  the  Honble. 
the  Council  as  the  Memorial  of  the  Town. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  &  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Ninth 
day  of  March  A.D.  1746. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  collecting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  there 
was  no  choice,  and  the  Inhabitants  were  then  directed  to  bring  in 
their  Votes  again,  which  they  accordingly  did,  and  they  being 
Sorted  it  Appeared  there  was  no  Choice,  and  the  Inhabitants  then 
brought  in  their  Votes  a  third  time  and  upon  sorting  'em  it 
Appeared  that  the  Hon0.  James  Allen  Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  great 
Majority. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1746. 


107 


[123.]     Ezekiel   Goldthwait   was   unanimously   chose    Town 
Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  Sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of 
his  Duty  in  that  Office  by  the  Honoble.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
Sundry  Laws.  Read. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Officers  &ca. 
Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen. 
The  Votes  being  accordingly  Brought  in  &  Sorted  it  appeared 
that  the  following   Gentlemen  were   chose  to  that   office  for  the 
Year  ensuing.     Viz'. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr. 
Cap*.  John  Steel 
Cap4.  William  Salter 

Cap'.  Henry  Atkins   declines  Serving        y    Select  Men. 
Abiel  Walley  Esqr. 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  declines  Serving 
Mr.  John  Tyng 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  three  o'Clock  this 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  mett  according  to  Adjournment. 

Voted  to  chuse  twelve  constables  distinct  from  the  Collectors  of 

Taxes. accordingly 

Mess™.  William  Nichols         Sworne. 
David  Drowne  Excus'd. 

Joseph  Foye  Excus'd. 

Elisha  Foster  Excus'd. 

Elisha  Dyre  Excus'd. 

William  Gray  Excus'd. 

James  Cunningham  Sworn. 
John  Green  Excus'd. 

Edward  Foster  Excus'd. 

Joseph  Coit  Excus'd. 

Jonathan  Cary  Sworne 

John  Procter  Excus'd. 

were  chosen  constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[124.]  Cap'.  Henry  Atkins  and  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  who 
were  chose  Select  Men  in  the  forenoon  having  declared  that  their 
private  Affairs  will  not  permit  'em  to  serve  in  that  Office,  and  that 
they  desire  to  be  Excused, Voted  that  they  be  Excus'd  ac- 
cordingly and  that  two  other  persons  be  chose  in  their  room 
Accordingly 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Belknap  & 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
were  chose  &  Accepted. 

Voted  that  any  Person  chose  iuto  the  Office  of  a  Constable  for 
the  Year  ensuing  be  Excus'd  from  Serving  provided  he  Pay  the 
Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills. 

Voted  that  any  Person  or  Persons  chosen  into  any  office  in  the 
Town  for  the  Year  ensuing  who  in  case  of  Refusal  is  Obliged  to 
Pay  any  Fine  or  Penalty  be  excus'd  from  serving  in  such  Office 
provided  he  or  they  Pay  in  Bills  of  the  last  tenor  one  half  the  Sum 
mentioned  in  the  Law  to  be  paid  as  a  Fine  for  their  Refusal. 
Voted  unanimously  that  the  Thanks  qf  the  Town  be  and  hereby 


Constables, 


108 


City  Document  No.  170. 


is  given  to  Jonas  Clarke  Esqr.  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  and  Cap1. 
Henry  Atkins  for  the  faithfull  Services  they  have  done  for  the 
Town  in  the  Office  of  Select  Men  for  several  Years  past. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for 
the  Year  ensuing  Viz'. 

The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.     "| 
William  Tyler  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Col°.  William  Downe 
Andr.  Oliver  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
George  Rogers  Esqr. 
Mr.  Ebenr.  Storer 
[125.]     Mess™.  Samuel  Ballard     Sworne 
Richard  Surcomb  Sworne 
Samuel  Clough      Sworne 
Edward  Baker       Sworne 
Phillip  Freeman    Excus'd 
Daniel  McKean 
William  Bowles 
Daniel  Bell  junr. 
Phillip  Virbert 
Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned 
9  o'Clock. 


y  Constables. 
Sworne 
Sworne 
Sworne 
Sworne 

'till  to  Morrow  Morning. 


Tuesday  Morning  Nine  o'Clock,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 


Messr 


Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworne 

Sworn 


Nathaniel  Hodgdon 
Thomas  Hase 
Josiah  Carter 
John  Bowden 
John  Allen 
James  Dawson 
Samuel  Hastings 
were  chosen  Sealers  of  Leather. 
Messrs.  William  Moore     Sworn 
Story  Dawes 
Francis  Warden 
James  Barnard 
Samuel  Brown 
William  Bearsto 
were  chosen  Fence  Viewers. 

Mess".  Joshua  Pickman 

Gillam  Phillips  Esq1. 
Joseph  Edwards 
Thomas  Newman 
Henry  Newman 
John  Colson 


)■  Sealers  of  Leather. 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Engine  man 
Sworne 


>  Fence  Viewers. 


Scavengers. 


Boston   Town  Eecords,  1746. 


109 


1 


[126.]     Mess18.  Aeneas  Mackey 

Richard  Hubbard 

Dean  Osgood 

John  Dixwell 

Ellis  Wilson 

Jonathan  Bowman  j 
Mr.  Isaac  Gridle}7  was  chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp. 
Mess™.  Nathaniel  Gardner     Sworn    ( 
Richard  Hubbard       Excusd  j 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Band,  was  Chosen  Haward  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  Surveyors  of  Highways. 


Scavengers. 

Sworn. 
Informers  ab*.  Deer. 


Messr9.  Thomas  Cushing 
Leonard  Jarvis 
Joseph  Calef 
David  Jenkins 
John  Shaw 


Pay 


1 


Excus'd    y  Hogreeves. 
Sworn 
Sworn       J 
were  Chosen  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Harrod  was  chosen  Constable  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, Sworn. 

1 


Messr 


Harvey  Thomas 

Benjamin  Ingraham 

Benjamin  Ballard 

Benjamin  Barnard 

Isaac  Fowle 

Thomas  Sergeant 

Benjamin  Sault 

Peter  Cotta 

John  Hobbs 

Sendall  Williams 
■were  chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  Hoops  &C 
[12*7.]  John  Phillips  Esq1. 

Cap'.  Joseph  Russell 
Cap4.  Isaac  White 
Mr.  Joseph  Jackson   Hatter 
Mr.  John  Scolley 
Mr.  James  Day 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
Cap1.  John  Carnes 
Cap1.  Henry  Berry 
Mr.  Robert  Breck 
were  chosen  Firewards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


►  Cullers  of  Staves  Hoops  &Ca 


for  the  Year  ensuing. 

1 


-  Firewards. 


Messra.  Edward  Moberley 

Sworn  N 

Joseph  White 

Sworn 

Edward  Richards 

Sworn 

Thomas  Warden 

Sworn 

William  Pain 

Sworn 

Viewers  of  Boards  Shin- 

Isaac Vergoose 

Sworn 

gles  &Ctt 

William  Nichols 

Sworn 

Josiah  Waters 

Sworn 

James  Barnard 

Sworn 

Andrew  Symmes 

were  chosen  Viewers  of  Boards 

Shingles 

&ca.  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

110 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Sworn  ") 

Sworn 

Sworn   I 

Sworn  J>  Assessors. 

Sworn 

Sworn 


Mr.  Michael  Dennis  was  chosen  Constable  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, —  Excus'd 

Mess".  Richard  Buckley 
Jacob  Parker 
Joshua  Blanchard 
Cap1.  Nath1.  Barber 
Mr.  William  Fairfield 
Cap4,  Daniel  Pecker 
Cap'.  John  Goldthwait  Sworn 
were  chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  County  Treas- 
urer at  four  a  Clock  this  Afternoon. 

[128.]  Mr.  John  Gould  was  chosen  Constable  for  the  Year 
ensuing,  Excus'd. 

Mr.  Sampson  Sheaffe  was  Chosen  Constable  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, Paid. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treas- 
urer and  they  being  Collected  and  Sorted  it  Appeared  that  the 
Hon°.  Joseph  Waclsworth  Esqr.  was  Chosen  by  a  great  Majority 
&  Sworn. 

Mr.  Thomas  Millikeu  was  Chosen  a  Constable.  —  Sworn. 
The  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  a  committee  for  Auditing 
the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  Year  ensuing  Viz'. 
Messrs.  Edmund  Quincy  ") 

William  Cooper 

Thomas  Greene  }■  Auditors. 

Joshua  Winslow  Esq1,    j 
Harrison  Gra}<  J 

and  they  are  desired  to  make  Report  as  usual,  and  the  said  Com- 
mittee are  desired  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor  respecting  the  Almshouse  and  the  Workhouse,  and  to  Attend 
doing  the  same  at  the  Usual  place  of  the  said  Overseers  Meeting 
and  make  Report  hereon  as  Usual. 
Messrs.  Isaac  Casno  Sworn  "] 

Thomas  Edwards      Sworn 
Excus'd 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

Sworn  )-  Clerks  of  the  Market. 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Were  Chosen.-;Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  That  the  Town  would 
[139.]  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Clerk  for  Faneuil  Hall  Market, 
It  was  Voted  that  the  Town  will  not  choose  any  person  to  be 
Clerk  of  said  Market. 

Upon  Reading  the  Petition  of  the  Watchmen  of  the  Town  for 


Thomas  Hill 
James  Allen 
Richard  Billings 
Samuel  Gerrish 
Nathaniel  Thayer 
Thomas  Baxter 
Thomas  Newman 
John  Smith 
William  Baker 
Samuel  Adams  junr 
Stephen  Whiting 


Boston   Town  Eecords,  1746.  Ill 

an  Addition  to  their  Wages  and  Allowance  for  that  Service,  Voted 
that  the  said  Petition  be  referr'd  to  the  Selectmen,  they  to  consider 
thereof  &  Report  thereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

The  Selectmen's  Report  on  the  Account  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
keeper  of  the  Grainary  for  the  Year  past  as  Entred  in  his  Book 
(and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  &  Voted  that  the 
said  Report  be  Accepted  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  John  Fenno  be 
further  accountable  to  the  Town  for  nine  bushels  of  Meal  at  20/  p 
Bushel,  and  One  hundred  &  twenty  Bushels  of  Corn  at  18/  p 
Bushel,  being  One  hundred  &  Seventeen  pounds,  &  also  for  the 
sum  of  Seven  Hundred  &  twenty  three  pounds  five  Shillings  & 
Seven  pence,  the  whole  of  which  amounts  to  Eight  Hundred  & 
forty  pounds  five  shilP.  &  Seven  pence  old  tenor,  which  remains 
in  his  hands,  exclusive  of  his  Salary,  which  is  One  hundred  pounds, 
&  for  Assistance  thirty  pounds,  to  the  third  instant,  which  is 
hereby  also  allowed  him. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Comtee.  for  purchasing 
Grain,  &  it  appear' d  that 

Mess".  John  Gardner  ^ 

John  Salter      >  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain. 
Robert  Watt    ) 
were  chosen  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  &  Impowered  to  give  all  needfull 
directions  to  the  keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantity's 
of  Grain  to  be  Sold  and  setting  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to 
time  as  occasion  shall  require. 

The  Town  entred  upon  the  Consideration  of  that  article  in  the 
Warrant  for  Purchasing  a  Quantity  of  Cord  Wood  in  the  Summer 
for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor  in  Winter  and  after  some  Debate  there- 
on Voted,  that. 

Mr.  Robert  Rand 
Mr.  Rufus  Greene 
Mr.  David  Colson 
Joshua  Cheever  Esqr. 
Mr.  Nath1.  Greenwood 
[13C]    be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider 
what  is  best  for  the  Town  to  do  in  this  Affair  and  the  Method  for 
Effecting  the  same  and  Report  hereon  at  the  next  General  Town 
Meeting. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  3  o'Clock  Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  Afternoon,  The  Town  being  mett  according  to 
Adjournment. 

The  Town  Entered  into  the  consideration  of  that  article  in  the 
Warrant  whether  they  will  fence  in  that  part  of  the  Common  or 
Training  field  from  Mr.  Stephen  Greenleafs  to  Mr.  Jacob  Sheaffs 
and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the  same  be  dis- 
missed. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  allowed  to  sit  upon 
Abatements  until  the  last  day  of  July  and  no  longer. 

The  Town  Entered  upon  the  consideration  of  that  part  of  the 
Petition  of  Mess".  Joseph  White  Benjamin  Edwards  William 
Larrabee  and  Elias  Dupee  Collectors  of  Taxes  &  Ca.  praying  the 


112  City  Document  No.  170. 

Town  would  be  pleased  to  Augment  the  allowance  made  'em  for 
collecting  the  Taxes  in  the  Year  1745  and  1746,  for  reasons  therein 
mentioned  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  A  Question  was  put, 
whether  the  Town  would  make  any  further  Allowance  to  said 
collectors  over  &  and  above  the  9d.  on  the  Pound  already  Voted 

'em,  and  it  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. and  then. 

The  Town  Entered  into  the  consideration  of  the  other  part  of 
their  Petition  Vizt.  that  as  many  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  in 
the  Years  1744  and  1745  were  gone  beyond  Sea  and  never  returned 
and  many  other  Collectors  the  Taxes  were  delivered  to  said  Col- 
lectors and  no  Abatement  has  as  yet  have  been  made  'em.  The 
Town  at  the  same  time  took  into  consideration  the  Petition  of  Cap'. 
John  Goldthwait  and  Mr.  Jacob  Sheaffe  late  Collectors  of  Taxes 
for  this  Town  setting  forth  that  for  several  Years  past  they  were 
Collectors  of  the  Taxes  in  said  Town  and  during  that  time  had 
committed  to  them  by  the  Assessors  of  said  Town  the  Taxes  of 
sundry  Persons  to  Collect  that  were  abroad  at  Sea  at  the  time 
when  they  received  the  Books  of  the  Assessors  many  of  whom 
Your  Petitioners  never  saw  they  not  having  returned  since  [  131 .] 
and  other  Inhabitants  during  the  time  dyed  so  extremely  Poor 
that  the  Petitioners  notwithstanding  all  their  Care  and  Pains  could 
not  get  any  part  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Poor,  and  it  is  not  now  in 
the  Power  of  the  Assessors  to  make  'em  any  Abatements  praying 
a  committee  may  be  appointed  to  enquire  and  make  Report  of  all 
such  Taxes  as  they  in  Justice  apprehend  the  Pet™,  ought  to  be 
abated  after  some  Debate  Voted  that 

Cap*.  Jeffery  Bedgood 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene 

Mr.  Edmund  Quinc}'  )■      Committee. 

Mr.  Stephen  Boutineau  & 

Carnelius  Waldo  Esq".         J 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  into  consideration 
the  said  Petitions,  hear  the  Petitioners  thereon  and  Report  as  soon 
as  may  be  what  Taxes  they  apprehend  the  said  Petitioners  ought  to 
be  Abated. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer  which  being  collected  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up 
by  Constable  Bell  to  be  by  him  kept  and  Returned  to  the  next 
Quarter  Sessions  for  this  County. 

The  Town  Entred  into  the  consideration  of  the  Petition  of  a  great 
Number  of  Inhabitants  living  in  and  frequenting  the  Street  called 
Atkinson  Street  bounded  Northerly  on  Milk  Street  and  Southerly 
on  Cow  Lane,  That  there  has  been  for  some  Years  past  much  Pains 
as  well  as  Money  expending  in  the  Planking,  gravelling  and  drain- 
ing said  Street  in  order  to  make  it  more  commodious,  but  to  so 
little  purpose  hitherto  that  it  is  Notorious  to  every  Passenger  in 
the  Spring  Summer  and  Fall  of  the  Year,  that  it  is  scarce  passable 
with  tarts  Trucks  or  any  heavy  Carriage,  in  somuch  that  the 
urgeut  necessity  of  its  being  paved  has  Exhibited  the  memorialists 
several  of  them  to  contribute  to  their  utmost,  and  as  they  humbly 
Conceive  generously  towards  it,  praying  the  Town  to  order  and 
direct  that  the  said  Street  be  Accepted  and  Registred  as  one  of  the 


Boston   Town  Records,  1746.  113 

Common  Streets  of  the  Town,  and  paved  as  soon  as  may  be  and 
what  the  Cost  thereof  shall  amount  to,  more  than  Subscriptions 
already  obtained  being  about  Eleven  Hundred  pounds  old  tenor 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury,  After  some  Debate  upon 
said  Petition,  It  was  Voted  that  the  sum  of  Six  Hundred  Pounds 
old  tenor  Bills  be  and  hereby  is  Allowed  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  towards  paving  the  said  Street,  provided  the  Abutters 
[132.]  or  others  on  their  Behalf  will  undertake  to  Pay  the  remain- 
ing of  the  charge  for  paving  the  same,  The  Paving  thereof  to  be 
under  the  direction  of  the  Selectmen,  and  when  the  said  Street 
shall  be  compleated  Paved  and  finished,  Voted  that  the  said  Street 
be  and  hereby  is  Accepted,  and  that  the  same  be  Registered  as  one 
of  the  Common  Streets  of  the  Town  by  the  Name  of  Atkinson 
Street. 

The  Petition  of  a  Number  of  Inhabitants  neighbours  to  & 
Dwellers  in  Water  Street,  setting  forth,  That  the  said  Street  after 
great  Rains  &  in  the  Spring  and  Fall  of  the  Year  has  a  considerable 
Stand  of  Water  in  it  near  the  coach  house  of  the  late  Col0.  Fitch, 
and  notwithstanding  the  Street  is  Paved,  there  is  for  the  greatest 
part  of  the  Year  a  Slough  of  Dirt  and  Filth  so  that  the  way  is 
almost  impassible  whereby  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  as  well  as 
Passengers  are  greatly  impeded,  and  those  that  dwell  near  greatly 
Injured,  praying  the  Towns  Consideration  of  the  premises,  and 
that  some  proper  Methods  may  be  taken  to  Remove  the  said  Incon- 
venience and  Nusance  that  the  Inhabitants  suffer  by  said  Stand  of 
Water,  and  also  the  Incumbrance  on  the  Towns  Land  thereabout, 
and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that 
Messrs.  Joshua  Blanchard  ") 

Thomas  Paine  &      i-    Committee. 
Joseph  Calef  ) 

be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  the  said  Petition 
into  consideration,  Enquire  into  the  Nusances  &  Incumbrances 
Complained  of,  and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be  what  Method  is 
best  for  the  Town  to  take  in  order  to  Remove  the  same,  and  pre- 
vent the  like  for  the  future. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  consider  of  the  article  in  the 
warrant  for  further  Fortifying  the  Town,  and  after  a  Short  Debate 
Voted  that  nothing  further  be  done  hereupon,  and  dismissed  the 
same. 

Mess".  William  Procto 

Samuel  Proctor 

William  Owen 

Isaac  White 

John  Breck 
[133.]  Thomas  Boucher 

Robert  Rand 

John  Barrett 

Henry  Berry 

John  Welch 

Nathaniel  Thwing 

John  Simpson  Brazier 
were  chosen  Tvthingmen  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


114  City  Document  No.   1/0. 

Voted  that  nine  pence  on  the  pound  be  and  hereby  is  allowed  to 
be  paid  to  such  persons  as  shall  be  chosen  to  collect  the  Taxes 
within  the  Ensuing  Year  on  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  collect  they 
Paying  unto  the  Town  Treasurer  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sum 
they  shall  be  obliged  to  Pay  him  within  three  months  from  the  time 
they  shall  receive  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the 
other  half  part  in  three  months  after,  and  also  Paying  to  the  Prov- 
ince and  County  Treasurers  one  half  part  of  the  whole  sums  they 
shall  be  obliged  to  pay  them  in  six  months  from  the  time  they  shall 
receive  the  said  Books  from  the  Assessors  and  the  other  half  part 
in  Six  months  after,  and  in  case  either  of  the  said  Collectors  shall 
fail  paying  the  said  Treasurers  in  the  above  manner,  the  collector 
so  failing  shall  not  be  intitled  to  the  aforesaid  allowance  of  Nine 
pence  on  the  Pound  for  collecting  but  wholly  Forfeit  the  same. 
Provided  also  that  the  said  collectors  give  Bond,  with  Suffi- 
cient Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faithful 
Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  said  office. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Six  Collectors  of 
Taxes  accordingly,  and  upon  Collecting  and  Sorting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared  that 

Messrs.  John  Staniford 

Benjamin  Edwards 

William  Larrabee 

Andrew  Cunningham 

Elias  Dupee  & 

John  Ruddock 
were  chosen  to  that  Office. 

Voted  that  all  matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be  and 
hereby  are  Referred  over  to  the  next  General  Town  [134.]  Meet- 
ing to  be  then  considered  of  and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  Thanks  be  given  to  the  Hon0.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the 
Moderator  of  this  meeting  for  his  Care  and  Pains  in  Managing  the 

Affairs  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  legally  warned  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  third  day  of 
April,  Anno  Dom — i  1747. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting. Read. 

The  Petition  of  a  great  Number  of  Inhabitants  for  calling  the 
Meeting  also  Read. 

Voted  that  a  Moderator  be  chose  by  a  handy  Vote  and  the 
Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  being  Nominated  he  was  accordingly 
Chose. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  John  Ruddock  &  Seconded,  that 
Faneuil  Hall  Market  be  shutt  up  on  every  Day  of  the  week,  except 
Monday  in  the  Forenoon  until  the  Town  shall  order  otherwise  and 
after  a  considerable  Debate  thereon,  Mr.  Ruddock  desired  to  with- 
draw his  Motion  which  was  granted  and  the  same  was  withdrawn 
accordingly, then 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr-  Daniel  Pecker  that  said  Market  be 


Boston   Town  Eecokds,  1747.  115 

shut  up  uutil  the  second  Tuesday  of  September  next  which  being 
seconded  by  several  Inhabitants,  A  Question  was  put,  and  it  was 
accordingly  Voted  that  Faneuil  Hall  Market  be  not  again  Opened 
until  the  second  Tuesday  of  September  next  any  By-Law  of  the 
Town  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding  also. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  [135.] 
Call  a  Town  Meeting  for  the  Inhabitants  to  Assemble  on  the  first 
Tuesday  of  Septemr.  next  to  take  into  consideration  what  the 
Town  will  further  do  with  respect  to  opening  said  Market  after  the 
second  Tuesday  of  September. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  twelfth  day 
of  May  A.D.  1747. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Ellis  Gray. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  laws  Read. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  pro- 
posed to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a 
person  or  persons  to  serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  the  Great  and 
General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday 
the  Twenty  seventh  da}-  of  May  instant,  and  in  order  thereto  to 
consider  and  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected 
according!}',  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  four  Representatives 
and  it  was  Declared  that  the  Poll  be  closed  at  Twelve  a  Clock. 

The  Votes  being  collected  the  Number  of  Votes  were  found  be 
Four  Hundred  and  fifty  one,  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Ap- 
peared that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  Vizt. 

No.  of  Votes. 

The  HonbIe.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq1' 292. 

The  Hon0.  James  Allen  Esqr .       270. 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr 416. 

Samuel  Adams  Esqr 281. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  being 
declared  by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  and 
[136-]  Upon  Sorting  the  same  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  James 
Allen  Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

T^hen  the  Meeting  was  Adjourn'd  to  three  a  Clock  in  the  After- 
noon. 

Three  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Town  mett  according  to 
Adjournment. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks  master  of  the  North  Writing 
School  setting  forth  that  four  Years  ago  he  had  Two  hundred  & 
Eighty  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  granted  him  by  the  Town  for  his 
Support  which  at  that  time  was  to  his  full  content  and  Satisfaction, 
but  within  that  course  of  Years  the  currency  of  the  province  has 
sunk  in  its  Value  to  that  Degree  that  the  aforesaid  Sum  is  become 
very  far  Short  of  Answering  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  designed, 
and  he  is  thereby  Exposed  to  such  Difficulties  as  arc  too  great  an 
Incumbrance  to  him  in  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Trust,  Pray- 


116  City  Document  No.   170. 

ing  the  Town  to  Grant  him  such  farther  an  allowance  as  they  shall 
think  proper,  was  now  read  &  after  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  be 
Added  to  Mr.  Hicks's  Sallary  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  Quarterly,  and  to  Commence  the  22d.  of  March  last. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Proctor  junr.  Usher  of  tbe  North  Writ- 
ing School  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  was  taken  into 
Consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted  that  the  Town  will  not  at  present  make  any  Addition  to 
Mr.  Proctors  Salary,  but  that  said  Petition  be  dismissed. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Joseph  Hubbard  setting  forth  that  the  Peti- 
tioner sometime  since  laid  open  a  part  of  his  pasture  situate  on  the 
South  side  of  Forthill  in  Boston  for  his  own  convenience  which  way 
is  Twelve  feet  wide  and  two  hundred  and  forty  feet"  in  Length 
being  opposite  to  Olivers  Lane  leading  up  to  the  said  Hill,  and  runs 
from  Cow  Lane  down  to  Purchase  Street  late  Harrisons  Ropewalk 
and  inasmuch  as  the  Petitioner  freely  Advanced  and  paid  the  Sum 
of  one  hundred  and  ten  Pounds  to  Compleat  the  Purchase  of  said 
Street  for  the  [137.]  Publick  Benefit,  and  also  laid  out  away  of 
Twenty  two  feet  inWedth  thro  the  Petitioners  Pasture  land  leading 
from  Purchase  Street  aforesaid  to  the  South  Battery  which  he  freely 
gave  the  Town  and  is  on  the  Town  Book,  And  as  the  Town  has 
Land  Adjoyning  to  the  Petitioners  pasture  Land  on  the  Northwest 
and  Northerly  sides  thereof,  he  therefore  Prays  the  Towns  considera- 
tion of  the  premisses  and  that  the  Town  would  be  pleased  to  grant 
him  a  Strip  of  Land  in  Lieu  thereof  the  same  Length  and  wedth 
with  the  said  Twelve  foot  way,  or  as  wide  as  the  Petitioners  shall 
enlarge  said  way,  or  the  Selectmen  shall  think  proper,  was  Read 
and  thereupon  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  ap- 
pointed a  Committee  to  consider  of  this  Petition  hear  the  Petitioner 
thereupon  and  Report  what  they  apprehend  will  be  best  for  the 
Town  to  do  as  to  the  granting  the  prayer  thereof,  and  Report 
hereon. 

The  Petition  of  Samuel  Bass  and  Kezia  Harvey  both  of  Boston, 
Setting  forth,  That  the  Town  of  Boston  stand  Seized  in  Fee  of 
and  in  a  certain  Peice  or  Parcel  of  Land  with  a  Stable  Shop  and 
Shed  thereon  standing  situate  in  Boston  aforesaid  Bounded  North- 
erly on  water  Street  one  hundred  feet,  Easterly  on  said  Bass's  Land 
about  Twenty  nine  feet,  Southerly  on  said  Bass  and  Harvys  Land 
about  one  hundred  feet,  and  Westerly  on  Joyliffs  Lane  Twenty 
seven  feet  which  Land  fetches  in  but  a  small  Rent  to  the  Town, 
but  being  near  unto  Land  of  the  Petitioners  and  more  convenient 
for  them  than  any  others  they  are  desirous  of  Purchasing  the  same, 
provided  they  can  have  it  at  a  reasonable  Price,  &  therefore  desired 
the  Town  would  pass  a  Vote  fully  Impowering.  the  Selectmen  to 
pass  and  Execute  a  good  Deed  or  Deeds  of  such  Lands  to  your 
Petitioners  in  such  manner  and  for  such  a  Sum  of  Money  as  shall 
be  agreed  upon,  was  Read,  and  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that 
Messrs.  Joshua  Blanchard  Samuel  Hughes,  Daniel  Pecker,  William 
Palfrey  and  William  Fairfield  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  consider  of  said  Petition,  View  the  Premisses  and  Report 


Boston   Town  Records,  1747.  117 

to  the  Town  whether  they  Apprehend  it  will  be  for  the  Benefit  and 
Interest  of  the  Town  to  grant  the  Prayer  thereof  &  Report  hereon. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Thomas  Paine  praying  the  Town  would  Lease 
or  Lett  to  him  a  peice  of  Land  fort}*  feet  Squai'e  or  thereabouts  to 
sett  a  Warehouse  upon  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Market  and  East- 
ward  of  Mr.  Billings's  Shop was  Read  and  Voted  that  the 

same  be  dismissed. 

The  Petition  of  several  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  praying  the 
Town  would  take  some  effectual  Method  to  prevent  the  great 
Oppression  they  Labour  under  by  the  Millers  Engrossing  the  Grain 
from  time  to  [138.]  time  ;  and  that  Application  be  made  by 
the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  for  Relief  herein,  — 
was  Read  and  after  some  Debate  hereon  It  was  Voted  that  the 
Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be  and  they  are  hereby 
desired  to  use  their  utmost  endeavours  to  get  a  Law  passed  the 
said  Great  and  General  Court  that  the  Town  maj'  be  redressed  in 
this  matter  as  soon  as  ma}T  be. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Ninth  of  March  last  on  the  Peti- 
tion of  Joseph  White,  Benjamin  Edwards,  William  Larrabee  and 
Elias  Dupee  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Town  of  Boston  now  Re- 
ported that  they  had  mett  the  Petitioners  and  Examined  into  the 
Circumstances  of  the  several  Persons  whose  Taxes  they  have  Peti- 
tioned for  an  Abatement  of,  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty 
eight  Pounds  one  shilling  and  eight  pence  be  Abated  Mr.  Collector 
White,  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  one  pounds  seventeen  shillings  be 
Abated  Mr.  Collector  Edwards,  and  that  the  Sum  of  Thirty  two 
Pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  four  pence  be  Abated  to  Mr.  Col- 
lector Dupee,  the  whole  Sum  amounting  to  one  hundred  and  ten 

Pounds  twelve  shillings  &  four  Pence  old  tenor. which  Report 

was  Accepted  and  thereupon,  it  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be 
and  hereby  they  are  desired  to  give  a  Draft  on  the  Town  Treasury 
to  said  White,  Edwards,  and  Dupee  for  the  respective  Sum  Abated 
'em  as  mentioned  in  said  Report. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Ninth  of  March  last  on  the  Peti- 
tion of  John  Goldthwait  and  Jacob  Sheaffe  late  Collectors  of  Taxes 
for  the  Town  now  Reported  that  they  had  mett  the  Petitioners 
&  Examined  into  the  Circumstances  of  the  several  Persons  whose 
Taxes  they  have  Petitioned  for  an  Abatement  of,  and  are  of  Opin- 
ion that  the  sum  of  Two  hundred  seventeen  Pounds  two  shillings 
and  Eight  Pence  old  tenor  be  Abated  Mr.  Collector  Sheaff  and 
that  the  Sum  of  Three  hundred  sixty  seven  Pounds  Eighteen  shil- 
lings old  tenor  be  Abated  Mr.  Collector  Goldthwait  which  Report 
was  Read  &  accepted,  and  it  was  thereupon  Voted  that  the  Select- 
men be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  give  a  Draft  on  the  Town 
Treasurer  to  said  Goldthwait  and  Sheaff  for  the  respective  Sums 
Abated  'em  as  mentioned  in  said  Report. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  ninth  day  of  March  last  [139.] 
to  consider  of  the  Petition  of  the  Watchmen  of  the  Town  for  their 
Pay  or  allowance  Reported  that  they  apprehend  the  Sum  of  Seven 
pounds  ten  shillings  old  tenor  Bills  ought  to  be  allowed  unto  each 
able  bodied  Watchman  of  the  Town  for  every  Month  they  shall 
faithfully  Discharge  their  Duty,  and  follow  such  orders  and  Direc- 


118  City  Document  No.  170. 

tious  as  they  shall  from  time  to  time  receive  from  the  Selectmen 
for  the  time  being,  which  was  Accepted,  and  it  was  thereupon. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Seven  Pounds  ten  shillings  old  tenor  Bills 
be  allowed  to  each  Able  Bodied  Watchman  p  Month  accordingly 
and  that  the  same  Commence  when  the  Selectmen  think  proper. 

The  Town  being  informed  that  the  Selectmen  on  the  Eighth 
Instant  presented  their  Petition  to  His  Excellency  Charles  Knowles 
Esqr.  Governour  of  the  Island  of  Cape  Breton  (now  residing  here 
requesting  him  to  Grant  Liberty  and  Protection  to  the  Inhabitants 
of  this  Town  to  fetch  Sea  Coal  from  Cape  Breton  and  that  he  gave 
ihem  a  very  favourable  answer  to  the  same. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  for  their  great  care  of  the  Town  in 
Applying  to  Governour  Knowles  in  that  manner. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  draw  up  a  Letter  of 
Thanks  to  Governour  Knowles  for  his  Kind  Reception  of  the 
Selectmen  when  they  waited  upon  him  with  the  above  Petition 
and  the  great  encouragement  he  gave  'em  that  he  would  grant  the 
Prayer  thereof,  and  the  great  Regard  he  expressed  to  have  for  the 
Town  &Ca. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  ninth  day  of  March  last  to  con- 
sider of  the  Petition  of  several  Inhabitants  relating  to  the  Nusances 
and  Incumbrances  in  Water  Street  complained  of  in  said  Petition 
and  what  method  is  best  for  the  Town  to  take  in  order  to  remove 
the  same  and  prevent  the  like  for  the  future,  now  Reported  that 
having  considered  of  said  Petition  and  Viewed  the  Incumbrances 
therein  mentioned  find  that  the  Antient  and  Natural  course  of  the 
water  or  Creek  which  belongs  to  the  Town  is  Stopped  by  several 
Buildings  being  Erected  over  it  Viz4,  the  Coach  house  in  the  Pos- 
session of  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  [140.]  Buildings  of  James 
Beighton,  John  Walley  Esq1'.  John  Hunt  Esqr.  Mrs.  Katha.  Noyes 
and  Mr.  John  Norton  on  the  South  Side,  and  Mr.  Edward  Brom-, 
field  Mr.  Christopher  Tilde u  and  Mr.  John  Dupee  on  the  North 
side  thereof,  all  of  whom  they  Apprehend  have  encroached  upon 
said  Creek  and  thereby  occasion'd  the  obstruction  of  said  Water 
course,  and  that  they  judge  the  only  effectual  way  for  to  be  taken 
for  Removing  said  Nusances  and  Incumbrances  and  Preventing 
the  same  for  the  future  is  to  prosecute  all  such  Persons  as  have 
made  said  Encroachments  in  case  they  shall  refuse  to  remove  'em 
and  thereby  the  Town  will  have  restored  to  'em  said  Water  course 
or  Creek  which  will  be  a  very  great  Benefit  to  the  Town,  which 
was  Read  and  Accepted,  and  it  was  thereupon 

Voted  that  the  same  Committee  Viz'.  Mr.  Joshua  Blanchard  Mr. 
Thomas  Paine  and  Mr.  Joseph  Calef  or  any  two  of  'em  be  and  they 
hereby  are  Appointed  a  Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town 
to  bring  forward  any  Suit  or  Suits  in  the  Law,  against  any  Person 
or  Persons  whatsoever  that  have  made  or  cause  to  have  made 
any  Encroachments  on  the  Towns  Lands  situate  in  Water  Street 
or  near  to  Olivers  Dock  or  adjoyning  upon  the  same  in  this  Town, 
and  in  the  Name  of  the  Town  to  Appear  in  any  of  His  Majesty's 
Courts  of  Record,  and  Pursue  such  Suit  or  Suits  until  final  Judg- 


Boston   Town  Kecords,  1747.  11<) 

ment  and  Execution  and  Act  and  do  whatsoever  they  or  any  two 
of  'em  shall  Judge  necessary  to  be  done  in  and  about  the  Premisses. 
Voted  a  Grant  of  Seventeen  Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  to 
be  raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of 
Boston  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary 
Charges  arising  within  and  for  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 
Schools  Read  and  is  as  follows  Viz'. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  12.  1747. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
fourteenth  of  May  last  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  several 
[141.]  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen 
to  accompany  them  therein  as  the}T  shall  think  proper,  and  to 
Report  thereon. 

We  the  Subscribers  Attended  that  Service  on  Wednesday  the 
Twenty  fifth  day  of  June  last  Accompanyed  by  the  following  Gen- 
tlemen.   Viz'. 

The  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
The  Hon0.  John  Jeffries  Esqr. 
The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esq1". 
WiUiam  Tvler  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
The  Gentlemen  the  Representatives 

of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Thomas  Prince 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Thomas  Foxcroft 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Ellis  Gray 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Andrew  Eliot 
The  Revd.  Mr.  William  Cooper 
The  Hon0.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr. 
Joshua  Cheever  Esqr. 
Dan1.  Henchman  Esqr. 
Francis  Borland  Esqr. 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
Mr.  Edmund  Quincy 
Mr.  Edward  Brom field 
Col0.  William  Downe 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
Cap4.  John  Wendell  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Oxnard 
and  found  the  South  Grammer  School  wherein  were  one  hundred 
and  nine  Scholars  in  very  good  Order,  the  South  writing  school  in 
the  Common  consisting  of  Two  hundred  &  forty  scholars  in  like 
good  order,  the   Writing  School  in    Queen    Street  of  Sixty  one 
Scholars  in  good  order,  the  North  writing   School  wherein   were 
Two  hundred  and  fifty  Scholars  in  very  good  order  &  the  North 
Grammar  School  of  35  Scholars  in  good  order. 

Samuel  Adams  ") 

John  Steel  a  , 

wM   c  r  Selectmen. 

W   .  Salter 

Abiel   Walley 


120  City  Document  No.   170. 

[142.]  Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted  and  that  the 
Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools 
the  Year  Ensuing  &  that  they  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accom- 
pany them  therein  as  they  shall  think  convenient  &  Report 
thereon. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Town  Treas- 
urers Accorapts  for  the  Year  past,  as  entred  in  the  Treasurers 
Books  —  Read  —  Accepted,  and 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  (so  far)  accordingly  Discharged. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Three  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  be 
allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  the  Hon0.  Joseph 
Wadsworth  Esqr.  for  his  Salary  as  Town  Treasurer  the  Year 
past. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  old  tenor  bills  be 
allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  Abijah  Adams 
in  full  for  his  Service  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  for  the 
Year  1746. 

Mr.  David  Jenkins  chose  one  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  for 

the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Marty n  (  „ 

John  Wendell,  Ship  Chandler  \       ° 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  B\T  Law  for 
the  better  Regulation  of  Funerals  now  Reported  the  same  as  fol- 
lows Viz'. 

For  Preventing  the  Spreading  of  Infection  in  Burying  Persons 
Dying  of  Malignant  Distempers  and  Rendering  the  Attendance  of 
the  Corps  of  the  Deceased  to  the  Grave  less  offensive  to  Paul 
holders  and  Under  bearers. 

And  to  the  Intent  there  may  be  stated  fixed  Prices  for  digging 
and  carrying  to  the  Grave  tolling  of  Bells  &ca. 

Therefore  Voted  that  for  the  future  no  Person  whatsoever  shall 
Presume  to  break  up  the  Ground  in  any  of  the  Publick  Burial 
Places  but  with  the  Consent  of  the  Selectmen  or  the  Persons 
[143.]  Appointed  by  the  Selectmen  to  the  charge  of  such 
Burial  Place,  and  for  such  Prices  for  opening  Tombs  and  digging 
of  Graves  as  the  Selectmen  from  time  to  time  shall  order  and 
appoint  on  Pain  of  Forfeiting  Twenty  Shillings  for  every  such 
Offence. 

That  for  the  future  evei\y  Person  d3'ing  within  the  Town  of 
Boston  that  is  not  carryed  in  a  coach  or  by  hand  shall  be  carryed 
to  the  Grave  on  a  Bier  to  be  provided  by  the  Town  for  that  Pur- 
pose, and  every  under  bearer  that  shall  presume  otherways  to  carry 
any  Deceased  Person  or  Persons  to  the  Grave  each  and  every  of 
them  shall  forfeit  Twenty  shillings  for  every  such  Office. 

That  no  Person  shall  presume  to  take  the  care  of  or  serve  as 
under  bearei^s  at  Funerals  within  the  Town  of  Boston  but  such  as 
shall  be  Approved  b}'  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  on  Pain  of  For- 
feiting the  Sum  of  Twenty  shillings  for  every  Offence. 

And  all  Persons  Approved  as  aforesaid  shall  duly  Attend  said 
Business  (if  required  thereto)  and  shall  receive  for  their  service 
such  Reward  only  as  shall  be  ordered  by  the  Selectmen  to  be  paid 
by  the  Person  or  Persons  emphyying  tliem  on  the  Penalty  of  Twenty 
shillings  for  every  Offence. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1747.  121 

And  every  under  bearer  refusing  to  give  his  or  their  Attendance 
as  aforesaid  or  demanding  or  Receiving  for  his  Fees  more  than 
shall  be  ordered  as*  aforesaid  shall  forfeit  and  Pay  Twenty  shil- 
lings. 

That  for  the  Burial  of  any  Person  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
there  shall  not  be  more  than  the  Bells  of  two  Churches  toll'd  and 
that  but  twice  at  each  Church  on  Pena^  of  Twenty  shillings  for 
each  Bell  more  that  shall  be  Toled  at  one  and  the  same  Funeral  to 
be  paid  by  him  that  shall  order  Procure  or  Tole  the  same. 

The  second  or  Passing  Bell  not  to  exceed  one  hour  and  half  after 
the  first  on  Penalty  aforesaid. 

That  any  Person  demanding  or  Receiving  any  more  than  the 
Selectmen  shall  allow  for  twice  Tolling  said  Bell  at  one  Funeral 
shall  forfeit  the  Sum  of  Twenty  shillings. 

All  Fines  and  Forfeitures  arising  from  the  Breach  of  the  afore- 
said orders  upon  Conviction  before  any  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  the 
County  of  Suffolk  to  be  to  the  use  of  the  Poor  of  the  Town  of 
Boston. 

The  above  order  or  By  Law  to  continue  and  be  in  Force  till  the 
Town  shall  see  cause  to  Alter  the  same. 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted 
and  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Select  Men  be  and  they  [144:.]  hereby 
are  desired  to  present  said  By  Law  or  order  for  the  better  Regulat- 
ing of  Funerals  to  the  next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace 
to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  for  their  Allowance  and 
Approbation. 

Voted  that  all  matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be 
referr'd  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  to  be  then  consid- 
ered of  and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Hon0. 
James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  dispatching 
the  business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public  Town  Meet- 
ing Assembled  at  Fanenil  Hall  on  Monday  the  twenty  ninth  clay  of 
June  A.D.  1747. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  handy 
Vote  and  Abiel  Walley  Esqr.  being  Nominated  was  accordingly 
chosen. 

The  Selectmen  Communicated  to  the  Town  a  Letter  they  received 

from  his  Excellency  Governour  Shirley which  was  Read  and  is 

in  the  Words  following  Vizt. 

To  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 

Boston  June  23d.  1747. 

Gent"1. 

I   send   You    the   Inclos'd   Extract   from   Governour 
Knowles  Letter,  that  You  may  Communicate  it  to  the  Town  in 

such  manner  as  You  shall  think  proper. And  as  I  have  reason 

to  Apprehend  from  Accounts  1  have  receiv'd  that  the  Fuel  already 


122  City  Document  No.  170. 

bespoke  in  some  Country  Places  for  the  Supply  of  this  Town  in 
the  present  Year  will  be  rais'd  before  the  winter  [145.]  is  over  to 
a  most  Excessive  Price  unless  it.  is  prevented  by  the  Importing  a 
considerable  Quantity  of  Wood  from  the  Eastern  parts  which  may 
be  very  Ruinous  to  the  Poor  of  this  Town  in  particular  I  would 
recommend  it  to  you  to  consider  of  some  method  for  the  Encourage- 
ment of  bringing  in  a  large  Supply  of  wood  from  the  Eastern  parts 
at  as  moderate  a  Rate  as  may  be  in  which  if  I  can  Assist  you  by 
granting  Protection  for  safe  guarding  the  Men  that  shall  be 
employed  in  cariying  the  Wood  to  the  Vessells  &  loading  it  on 
beard  of  'em  I  shall  be  very  ready  to  do  it,  or  anything  else  in  my 
Power  that  may  be  propos'd  to  me  for  the  forwarding  of  this  Affair. 
Your  most  Assured  Friend 

and  Servant 

W.  Shirley. 
The  Paragraph  of  Governour  Knowles  Letter  in  Governour  Shir- 
leys  is  as  follows  Vizt. 

Extract  of  Governour  Knowles's  Letter  to   Governour  Shirley 
dated  at  Annapolis  Royal  May  25th.  1747. 

"  I  desire  you  will  be  pleased  to  Acquaint  the  Town  of  Boston 
that  I  will  order  'em  to  be  supplyed  with  Coal  without  staying  'till 
the  Garrison  is  first  provided,  being  glad  of  an   Opportunity  to 
oblige  your  Excellency,  and  Serve  the  Province." 
And  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted  that  John  Fayerweather  Esq  . 

The  Hon0.  James  Bowdoin  Esqr. 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene 

Mr.  Thomas  Paine 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion 

The  Hon0.  Samuel  Welles  Esq1.  & 

The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  what  method 
will  be  most  Effectual  for  the  Town  to  take  in  order  to  Supply 
themselves  with  Cord  Wood  from  the  Eastward  part  of  this  Prov- 
ince upon  the  Encouragement  given  b}*"  Governour  Shirley  and 
Report  hereon  to  the  Town  as  soon  as  may  be. 

And  the  said  Committee  are  also  desired  to  draw  up  a  Letter 
[146.]  Of  Thanks  to  Governour  Shirley  for  the  early  and  sea- 
sonable Care  of  the  Town  he  has  been  pleased  to  take  in  this 
Affair,  and  the  Readiness  he  has  expressed  in  this  Letter  of  doing 
every  thing  in  his  Power  to  forward  the  same,  and  Report  hereon. 
Also  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  and  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  A  Committee 
to  consider  what  will  be  the  best  method  for  the  Town  to  take  in 
order  to  support  themselves  with  Sea  Coal  from  Cape  Breton  upon 
the  Encouragement  given  by  Governour  Knowles  and  Report 
hereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

And  the  said  Committee  are  also  desired  to  draw  up  a  Letter 
of  Thanks  to  Governour  Shirley  for  the  Encouragement  given  in 
his  Letter  that  the  Town  shall  be  supplyed  with  Sea  Coal  from 
Cape  Breton,  and  the  tender  Regards  he  has  otherwise  Expressed 
for  the  Town  &  Ca.  and  Report  hereon. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1747.  123 

Then  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  Fryclay  next  at 
nine  a  Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Fryclay  Jul}'  3d,  1747,  The  Town  mett  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  29th.  of  June  last  to  consider 
what  method  will  be  most  effectual  for  the  Town  to  take  in  order 
to  Supply  themselves  with  cord  wood  from  the  Eastern  parts  of 
this  Province  upon  the  Encouragement  given  by  Governour  Shirley 
and  to  Prepare  a  Draft  of  a  letter  of  Thanks  to  Governour  Shirley 
now  made  Report  as  follows  Viz'.  "  That  they  Apprehend  it  will  be 
most  Adviseable  for  the  Town  to  Address  his  Excellency  the 
Governour  to  put  in  Execution  his  kind  purposes  towards  the 
Town  as  Expressed  in  his  Letter  to  the  Selectmen  respecting  the 
Protection  to  the  Cutting  Carting  &  Loading  the  Wood  for  the 
Inhabitants,  and  that  he  would  be  pleased  to  give  Notice  thereof 
in  the  Publick  Prints,  which  when  effected  unay  answer  the  End 
designed." 

The  said  Committee  also  Reported  a  Draft  of  a  Letter  of 
Thanks  to  his  Excellency  in  the  words  following  Viz4. 

[147.]     May  it  Please  Your  Excellency, 

The  Town  of  Boston  with  great  Thankfulness  acknowledge 
Your  Paternal  Care  and  Goodness  in  Your  Letter  of  the  23d.  ult°. 
to  the  Selectmen  Shewing  your  concern  and  desire  the  Inhabitants 
may  be  comfortably  and  Reasonably  Supplyed  with  Fuel.  —  It  is 
therefore  with  a  very  pleasing  hope  of  Success  that  we  Apply  and 
pray  Your  Excellency  to  give  orders  to  the  Forces  Eastward,  to 
guard  the  People  in  cutting  wood  and  carting  it  to  the  several 
Landings  and  the  Coasters  in  Loading  it,  and  if  Your  Excellency 
thinks  proper  we  farther  Pray  that  it  may  be  Publisht  in  the  weekly 
Prints,  that  Your  Excellency  has  given  such  orders  that  those  who 
cutt  the  Wood  and  the  Coasters  and  carters  may  carefully  engage 
in  their  respective  Business  being  Assured  of  Protection  therein. 

We  gratefully  acknowledge  Your  kind  and  generous  Proposal  as 
an  Addition  to  the  many  Obligations  we  are  under  to  pray  and  En- 
deavour that  Your  Administration  may  be  as  easy  to  Your  Excel- 
lency as  it  is  beneficial  and  agreeable  to  us. 

Which  being  Read,  it  was  thereupon  unanimoushr  Voted  that  the 
same  be  Accepted,  and  that  a  fair  Copy  thereof  be  prepared  and 
Signed  by  the  Town  Clerk,  and  that, 

The  Hon0.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
John  Osborne  Esqr. 
Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr. 
Ezekiel  Lewis  Esqr. 
The  Representatives  and  the 
Selectmen  of  the  Town  & 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  his  Excel- 
lenc3r  Governour  Shirley  with  the  same  and  present  it  in  the  Name 
of  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  29th.  of  June  last  to  consider  what 
Method  will  be  best  for  the  Town  to  take  in  order  to  Supply  them- 


124  City  Document  No.   170. 

selves  with  Sea  Coal  from  Cape  Breton  upon  the  Encouragement 
given  by  Governour  Knowles,  Reported  that  they  are  of  Opinion 
that  it  will  by  no  ways  be  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  for  them 
to  hire  Vessels  to  fetch  Coal  from  Louis  bourg  but  that  the  Trade 
be  left  open  between  that  [148.]  Place  and  this  whereby  they 
Apprehend  this  Town  will  in  time  be  supply ed  at  an  easy  Rate. 
—  And  in  order  to  effect  the  same  have  drawn  up  a  Letter  of 
Thanks  to  Governour  Knowles  to  be  forwarded  to  him  by  the  first 
Opportunity  and  they  Apprehend  it  will  be  a  means  of  Removing 
any  difficulty  the  masters  of  Vessels  may  meet  with  in  loading 
their  Vessells  with  Coal  if  the  Selectmen  will  give  such  as  go  to 
Louisbourg  a  Letter  to  Governour  Knowles  desiring  his  favour 
and  Assistance  to  'em  therein.  —  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted 
and  that  fair  Copys  of  said  Letter  of  Thanks  be  prepared  and 
Signed  by  the  Selectmen,  and  forwarded  to  Governour  Knowles  as 
soon  as  may  be. 

The  Letter  prepared  by  the  Committee  is  as  follows  Viz'. 

Boston  JulyS.  1747. 

Sr. 

His  Excellency  Governour  Shirley  has  Communicated  to  the 
Town  Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Your  Excellency,  wherein  You 
desire  that  he  will  be  pleased  to  Acquaint  that  You  should  Order 
them  to  be  supplyed  with  Coal  without  staying  till  the  Garrison  at 
Louisbourg  was  first  provided,  This  Repeated  Expression  and 
Proof  of  your  favourable  Regards  for  this  Town  and  Province 
require  a  repeated  acknowledgement  and  we  take  this  Opportunity 
in  behalf  of  the  Town  and  pursuant  to  then*  unanimous  Vote  this 
Day  pass'd  to  Render  our  hearty  thanks  to  Your  Excellency  for 
the  same,  and  to  desire  Your  Excellency's  good  Will  and  Affec- 
tionate Regards  towards  us. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  first  day  of 
September  A.D.  1747. 

The  warrant  for  calling  the  meeting  Read. 

[149.]  Voted  that  a  Moderator  be  choose  by  a  handy  Vote 
and  John  Steel  Esqr.  being  Nominated  was  unanimously  chosen. 

It  being  Suggested  by  many  of  the  Inhabitants  that  the  Bells  at 
the  North  part  of  the  Town  has  not  been  Rung  this  Day  for  the 
Notification  of  the  Inhabitants  to  Attend  this  Meeting  as  has  been 
usual,  It  was  moved  and  Seconded  by  several  that  this  meeting  be 
therefore  immediately  Adjourned  to  three  a  Clock  this  Afternoon 
and  Orders  given  by  the  Selectmen  that  the  Bells  be  rung  through- 
out the  Town,  and  the  Question  being  put  It  was  accordingly  Voted 
in  the  Affirmative. 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourn'd  to  that  time. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to- 
Adjournment. 

And  Entred  upon  the  consideration  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  as 
to  opening  the  same  after  the  second  Tuesday  of  September  instant 


Boston   Town  Eecoeds,  1747.  125 

and  after  a  considerable  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  said 
Market  be  not  again  opened  until  after  the  third  Tuesday  of  March 
next,  any  By  Law  or  order  of  the  Town  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. 

The  Town  considered  of  the  Request  of  several  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants that  the  head  of  the  Town  Dock  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be 
thought  proper  be  filled  up  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was 
Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  and  Im- 
powered  to  fill  up  the  head  of  said  Dock  from  the  Corner  of  the 
Towns  Wharffe  as  far  as  the  Bend  of  Mr.  Anstrams  Wharffe  as  soon 
as  may  be  "provided  it  does  not  incroach  upon  the  Right  or  Liberty 
of  any  Private  Persons. 

The  Affair  of  Olivers  Bridge  as  to  making  some  Alterations  there 
was  Considered  of  and  Voted  that  the  same  be  Dismissed. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  weigher  of 
Hay  at  their  Engine  at  the  South  end  and  upon  Sorting  the  same 
it  Appeared  that  Mr.  John  Wardell  was  chose  into  that  Place. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  make  such  an 
Allowance  to  said  Wardell  for  his  Service  in  said  Place  as  they 
shall  [150.]  think  just  and  proper. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  Draft  of 
a  By  Law  for  the  Regulating  the  Towns  Engine  Erected  at  the 
South  End  for  the  weighing  of  Hay  brought  to  Market  and  Report 
hereon  at  the  intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  twelfth  of  May  last 
to  consider  of  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Joseph  Hubbard,  Reported  that 
they  had  Viewed  the  Premisses  therein  mentioned,  and  heard  the 
Petitioner  upon  his  Petition  and  Apprehend  it  will  not  be  for  the 
Advantage  of  the  Town  to  Grant  him  the  Prayer  thereof,  which 
being  read  Voted  that  said  Report  be  Accepted  and  said  Petition 
dismissed. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  twelfth  of  May  last,  to  consider 
of  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Bass  and  Kezia  Harvey  praying  the 
Town  would  Sell  them  a  Peice  of  Land  in  Water  Street,  now 
Reported  that  they  had  Viewed  the  premisses  mentioned  in  said 
Petition  and  fully  considered  of  the  Prayer  thereof,  and  apprehend 
it  will  be  more  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  Sell  the  same  to  such 
person  or  Persons  as  will  give  most  for  it  than  to  improve  it  any 
longer  in  the  manner  it  now  is,  —  which  being  Read  Voted  that 
said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  said  Committee  be  desired  to 
enquire  of  the  Petitioners  what  Sum  of  Money  they  will  give  for 
the  same,  and  Report  hereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  fifteenth 
day  of  September  instant  at  three  a  Clock  P.M. 

Tuesday  the  Fifteenth  day  of  September  three  o'Clock  P.M.  the 
Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment,  and  upon  a  Motion 
made  and  Seconded,  It  was  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  immediately 
Adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  30th.  Inst,  at  four  a  Clock  P.M. 

Wednesday  the  tliirtyeth  day  of  September  1747.  at  four  a 
Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 


126  City  Document  No.   170. 

[151.]  And  the  Selectmen  a  Committee  appointed  the  first 
Instant  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  By  Law  for  the  Regulation  of  the 
Towns  Engine  Erected  at  the  South  end  for  the  weighing  of  Hay 
brought  to  Market  Now  Reported  their  Draft  of  the  same  which  is 
as  follows  Viz'. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  first 
day  of  September  Anno  Domini  1747  and  from  thence  continued 
by  several  Adjournments  until  Wednesday  the  30th.  day  of  the 
same  month  and  then  mett. 

Whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  have  heretofore 
Laboured  under  Difficulty's  and  hardships  in  respect  of  the  weight 
of  Hay  brought  to  market  by  reason  whereof  Disputes  have  often 
arisen  between  the  Buyer  and  Seller,  and  as  a  Remedy  therefor 
for  the  future  an  Engine  at  the  Southend  of  the  Town  convenient 
for  weighing  of  Hay  has  been  latety  Erected  by  the  Town. 

Its  therefore  Ordered. 

That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  November  next,  all  Carts 
and  other  Carriages  of  Hay  as  they  come  into  Town  shall  be 
weighed  at  said  Engine,  and  a  Certificate  of  the  weight  of  the  Cart 
and  Hay  be  then  given,  and  the  Cart  or  Carriage  upon  its  Return 
be  Taxed,  and  the  weight  thereof  Markt  on  it, 

That  a  suitable  person  be  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  for  the 
time  being  for  such  Term  of  Time  as  they  shall  think  convenient 
to  take  care  that  the  said  Engine  be  kept  in  good  Repair  and  to 
See  the  weight  of  all  Hay  thus  brought  to  Market  and  give  Certifi- 
cates of  the  same,  and  mark  the  carriages  on  their  Return  as 
aforesaid,  and  that  the  said  Person  shall  be  under  Oath  to  do 
Justice  between  Buyer  &  Seller,  and  attend  on  each  day  of  the 
week  except  Lords  Days  from  Sunrising  to  Sunsetting  and  make  an 
Entry  in  a  Book  he  shall  keep  for  that  Purpose  of  all  the  Hay  he 
weighs,  and  that  he  have  such  an  allowance  for  his  Service  as 
the  said  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  shall  think  reasonable. 

That  there  be  allowed  and  Paid  for  every  Load  of  Hay  so 
weighed  one  Penny  in  Bills  of  the  last  Emission  for  each  Hundred 
of  Hay  by  the  Person  who  Buys  the  same,  &  in  case  of  his  absence 
at  the  time  of  weighing  then  to  be  paid  by  the  Importer  who  shall 
be  Reimburs'd  by  the  Buyer. 

That  if  any  Person  Inhabitant  of  the  Town  of  Boston  aforesaid 
[152.]  shall  after  the  said  first  day  of  November  buy  or  receive 
either  by  him  or  herself  or  Servant  or  any  other  Person  under  him 
or  her,  any  Hay  thus  brought  to  market  without  the  same  be  first 
weighed  as  aforesaid  he  or  she  shall  forfeit  and  Pa};  the  Sum  of 
Twenty  shillings  for  every  Load  or  Parcel  so  bought  or  received  as 
aforesaid. 

The  aforegoing  By  Law  having  been  read  three  several  times  It 
was  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted  and  that  the  Selectmen  be 
and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  present  it  to  the  next  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk 
for  then'  Approbation  and  Allowance. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1747.  127 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Fryda}r  the  Twentyeth  day 
of  November  A.D.  1747. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  —  Read. 

The  Honble.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr.  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Whereas  great  Disorders  for  several  days  past  have  been  com- 
mitted within  this  Town  and  Insults  and  Abuses  offered  to  his 
Excellency  the  Governour  and  the  Honble.  His  Majestys  Council 
when  sitting  by  a  Number  chiefly  Strangers)  who  this  week  As- 
sembled together  and  Committed  great  outrages  and  Disorders 
putting  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  in  great  Terror  of  their  Lives 
&ca.  the  Inhabitants  now  Assembled  together  in  order  to  consider 
what  is  necessary  for  them  to  do  to  Evidence  their  Disavowing  and 
Detestation  of  this  unjustifiable  Affair  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon,  Voted  that  a  Committee  be  chose  to  prepare  a  Vote  proper 
for  the  Town  to  Pass  concerning  the  same,  and  that 

[153.]     The  Honble.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 

The  Hon0.  Tho8.  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene  & 
Mr.  Josiah  Quincy, 
be  the  Committee  for  that  Purpose,  who  are  desired  to  withdraw 
to  the  Selectmens  Chamber  and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be,  the 
said  Committee  withdrew  and  about  an  hours  time  returned  into 
the  meeting  with  the  following  Draft  of  a  Vote,  which  was  Read 
Accepted  and  accordingly  Voted  Viz'. 

It  being  Represented  that  the  Town  had  been  charged  or  the 
generality  of  the  Inhabitants  with  Abetting  or  Encouraging  the 
late  Tumultuous  Riotous  Assembly  which  Insulted  his  Excellency 
the  Governour  and  the  other  Branches  of  the  Legislature,  and 
committed  many  other  heineous  offences,  Resolved  as  the  unanimous 
opinion  of  the  Town  in  this  large  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants,  That 
the  said  Riotous  Tumultuous  Assembly  consisted  of  Foreign  Sea- 
men, Servants  Negroes  and  other  Persons  of  mean  and  Vile  Con- 
dition, that  this  Town  have  the  utmost  Abhorence  of  such  Illegal 
Criminal  Proceedings  and  will  to  their  utmost  Discountenance  and 
Suppress  the  same,  and  will  at  the  same  time  encourage  hy  all  ways 
and  means  whatsoever  any  of  their  Inhabitants  in  making  a  Reg- 
ular orderly  Application  to  the  proper  Power  for  redressing  all  and 
every  Grievance  which  the  Town  is  under  from  the  Impressing  of 
their  Inhabitants  on  Board  his  Majestys  Ships  of  War  which  may 
have  occasioned  the  said  Tumultuous  disorderly  Assembling. 

Also  unanimously  Voted  that  the  Town  Clerk  prepare  fair  Copys 
of  this  Vote  or  Resolution  of  the  Town,  and  that  the  Hon0.  Edward 
Hutchinson  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  and  the  Select- 
men of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to 
wait  upon  his  Excellency  Governour  Shirley  The  Honblc.  His  Maj- 
esty's Council  and  the  Honbl°.  House  of  Representatives,  and  in 
the  Name  of  the  Town  present  'em  with  the  same. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 


128  City  Document  No.  170. 

[154.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned 
in  Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Fryday 
the  Eighteenth  day  of  December  A.D.  1747. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  —  Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  choose  a  Moderator  by  a  written  Vote 
and  they  being  brought  iu  and  Sorted  it  Appeared  that  the  Honble. 
James  Allen  Esqr.  was  Chosen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the  Petition  of  a 
Number  of  Inhabitants  setting  forth,  That  it  is  with  uncommon 
concern  they  observe  in  the  post  Boy  of  the  14tu.  Instant  two 
Letters  from  his  Excellency  the  G-overnour  to  Mr.  Secretary  Wil- 
lard,  wherein  are  some  Paragraphs  which  have  a  tendency  to  put 
the  Town  in  a  disadvantageous  light  with  his  Majesty,  notwith- 
standing the  repeated  Instances  at  all  times  shewn  by  her  Inhabi- 
tants that  they  Apprehend  the  Inhabitants  are  greatly  Affected  in 
their  Characters  by  these  Letters,  praying  the  Town  would  consult 
upon  proper  measures  to  Vindicate  their  Injur'd  Characters  and 
secure  their  Invaluable  Privileclges,  and  after  a  very  long  Debate 
thereon  —  It  was  Voted  that  a  Committee  be  raised  for  that  Pur- 
pose and  that  said  Committee  consist  of  five  Persons  and  be  choose 
by  a  written  Vote  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sort'd  it 
appeared  that. 

Abiel  Walley  Esq1-. 
Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen 
Mr.  Josiah  Quincy 
Mr.  Thomas  Paine  & 
Mr.  Harrison  Gray 
were  Chose  to  be  said  Committee,  and  they  are  desired  to  make 
Report  hereon  at  the  intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjournal  to  Thursday  [155.]  The 
Twenty  fourth  Instant  at  three  o'Clock  Afternoon. 

Thursday  the  Twenty  fourth  of  December,  three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon.  —  The  Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Eighteenth  Instant  to  consider 
what  Methods  are  necessary  to  be  taken  by  the  Town  to  Vindicate 
their  Injured  Characters  &  Secure  their  Invaluable  Priviledges, 
now  Reported  what  they  Apprehend  ought  to  be  done  thereupon, 
which  was  Read  and  is  on  file  and  after  a  very  long  debate  had  on 
said  Report,  It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  referr'd  at  the  Ad- 
journment of  this  Meeting  for  consideration,  and  that  said  Report 
be  lodged  with  the  Town  Clerk  for  the  Perusal  of  the  Inhabitants 
that  shall  desire  it. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  Twenty 
ninth  Instant  at  nine  o  Clock  in  the  Forenoon. 

Tuesday  the  Twenty  ninth  of  December,  nine  a  Clock  in  the 
Forenoon,  The  Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

And  it  being  moved  and  seconded  that  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee made  the  24th.  Instant  mav  be  Recommitted  to  the  same 


Boston   Town  Eecords,  1747.  129 

Gentlemen  for  Amendment  a  long  Debate  was  had  thereon,  and  it 
was. 

Voted  that  said  Report  shall  not  be  Recommitted  to  said  Com- 
mittee. 

And  then  it  was  Moved  and  Seconded  and  accordingly  the 
Question  was  put?  Whether  the  said  Report  of  the  Committee  be 
Accepted. 

And  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative  by  a  very  great  Majority. 

Voted  that  said  Report  be  Dismissed. 

And  then  it  was  moved  and  Voted  that  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
The  Honble.  Thomas  Hutchinson  i:sqr.  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield,  The 
Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Josiah  Quincy  be  a  committee 
to  draw  up  a  Petition  to  his  Excellency  the  Governour  desiring  that 
he  will  be  pleased  to  consider  the  Disadvantageous  light  he  has  set 
the  Town  in  to  the  World  by  the  Publication  of  his  two  Letters  in 
the  Boston  Weekly  Post  Boy  of  the  14th.  Instant,  and  that  he  would 
use  his  Endeavours  to  Remove  the  same  and  Report  their  Draft 
thereof  this  Afternoon, 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  four  o'Clock  P.M. 
[156.]  to  Receive  the  Report  of  said  Committee. 

At  four  a  Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  met  according  to 
their  Adjournment. and 

The  Committee  appointed  in  the  forenoon  to  prepare  a  Petition  to 
the  Governour  now  Reported  a  Draft  of  the  same  which  was  Read 
and  is  as  follows  Viz'. 

May  it  Please  Your  Excellency. 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  Assembled  in  General 
Town  Meeting,  Apprehending  Their  Character  &  Reputation 
greatly  Affected  by  the  Publication  of  two  Letters  in  the  Post  Boy 
of  the  13th  Instant,  Signed  by  Your  Excellency  dated  at  Castle 
William  and  directed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Province,  beg  leave  to 
lay  this  their  Humble  Representation  of  the  Affair  those  Letters 
relate  to  so  far  as  Respects  this  Town  before  Your  Excellency. 

It  having  been  reported  that  the  Town  of  Boston  or  the  Inhabi- 
tants in  general,  had  Abetted  and  Encouraged  the  Riotors  who  In- 
sulted Your  Excellency  and  the  General  Court,  and  who  Committed 
many  other  heinous  offences ;  the  said  Inhabitants  as  soon  as  they 
could  do,  Assembled  in  Town  Meeting,  and  notwithstanding  it  Ap- 
peared that  the  Rights  and  privileges  of  the  Town  have  been  invaded 
by  the  unwarrantable  Impress  that  has  been  made  of  several  of  their 
Inhabitants,  Yet  being  alwaj'S  sensible  that  this  was  by  no  means 
sufficient  to  Justify  the  great  disorders  that  were  consequent  there- 
upon, They  unanimously  pass'd  such  a  Vote  as  Vindicated  the  Town 
from  the  charge  made  against  them,  and  a  Committee  of  the  Town 
waited  upon  Your  Excellency  at  the  Castle  with  a  Copy  of  the  Vote, 
and  You  were  pleas'd  very  favourably  to  Receive  the  same,  and  to 
Express  Your  Satisfaction  therein  ;  and  as  a  further  Proof  of  the 
desire  of  the  Inhabitants  to  Remove  all  Pretence  for  this  Imputation 
a  greater  Number  of  them  Appeared  in  Arms  to  Attend  Your  Ex- 
cellency on  your  Return  to  Town,  than  has  been  known  in  any 
Regimental  Muster,  for  diverse  Years  past. 

Notwithstanding  which  the  Two  Letters  aforesaid  wrote  as  Ap- 
pears [157.]  by  the  Dates,  before  the  time  of  Passing  this  Vote 


130  City  Document  No.   170. 

and  of  the  other  proceedings  of  the  Town,  were  more  than  three 
weeks  after  made  Publick,  and  the  Town  as  We  Apprehend  was 
thereby  represented  in  a  light  very  much  to  their  Disadvantage,  and 
altho  the  further  Account  of  the  Riot,  and  the  proceedings  there- 
upon as  Published  iu  the  weekly  News  Letter  of  the  Seventeenth 
Instant  tends  to  clear  up  the  Character  and  Reputation  of  the  Town 
Yet  as  it  must  be  presumed  that  these  Letters  were  Published  by 
Your  Excellency's  order,  and  the  other  Account  does  not  appear 
to  have  been  so,  it  cannot  be  conceived  sufficient  to  Remove  any 
Impressions  which  the  Publishing  of  said  Letters  may  have  made 
against  the  Town. 

Wherefore  from  a  just  concern  that  all  the  Actions  of  the  Town 
may  be  fairly  Represented  and  that  the  Character  of  the  Town  as 
loyal  and  Dutiful  may  always  be  preserved,  the  Inhabitants  lay 
this  State  of  their  case  before  Your  Excellency  pra\dng  Your  con- 
sideration of  the  same  and  that  they  may  receive  such  Redress  as 
that  the  Character  of  the  Town  may  be  made  to  appear  to  the  world 
in  a  favourable  light  as  if  the  Letters  aforesaid  had  never  been  Pub- 
lished- 

Boston  Decemr  29th  1747. 

Thereupon  it  was  unanimously  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted, 
&  that  said  Committee  immediately  wait  upon  his  Excellency 
with  a  fair  Copy  thereof  and  Report  to  the  Town  his  Excellencys 
Answer  which  they  accordingly  did,  and  Reported  that  his  Excel- 
lency was  pleas'd  to  give  the  following  Answer  in  writing  Viz'. 

Gentlemen, 

In  Answer  to  Your  Petition  I  must  in  the  first 
Place  say  that  I  am  sorry  for  the  Occasion  I  had  to  write  the  two 
Letters  to  Mr.  Secretary  Willard,  which  You  refer  to. 

As  to  the  Publication  of  'em  since  I  find  it  has  given  a  general 
Concern  to  the  Town,  I  most  readily  take  this  Opportunity  to  As- 
sure You  that  it  did  not  in  the  least  proceed  from  an  inclination  to 
prejudice  the  Carecter  and  Reputation  of  the  Inhabitants,  but  was 
wholly  occasioned  by  an  insinuation  in  a  late  Pamphlet,  which 
appeared  to  me  to  have  a  tendency  to  set  part  of  my  own  Conduct 
upon  that  Occasion  in  a  wrong  light ;  and  which  I  apprehended  my 
Publication  of  those  two  Letters  would  Vindicate  it  from,  and  I 
can't  but  hope  that  my  acquainting  you  that  the  Account  of  Your 
Proceedings  on  Fryday  the  20th  of  November  in  a  Town  Meeting 
at  Faneuil  Hall  and  [158.]  On  the  Day  following,  were  Published 
by  my  directions  in  the  weekly  News  Letter  of  the  17th.  Instant, 
will  be  sufficient  to  Show  that  I  had  no  desire  to  Represent  the  Be- 
haviour of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  in  a  disadvan- 
tageous light  and  consequently  remove  all  concern  which  may  have 
occasioned  by  the  publication  of  my  Letters  three  days  before, 
especially  when  I  declare  to  yon  that  this  Affair  appears  to  me  in 
a  favourable  light. 

Boston  Decern1*.  29.  1747.  W.  Shirley. 

After  Reading  the  same  It  was  unanimously  Voted  that  his 
Excellencys  Answer  to  said  Petition  is  fully  Satisfactory  to  the 
Town. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  his  Excel- 
lency for  his  Answer  to  their  Petition,  and  that  the  Hon0.  James 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1747.  131 

Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  the  above  named 
Committee  and  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  be  a  Committee  to  wait 
upon  his  Excellency,  and  Return  him  the  Thanks  of  the  Town 
accordingly. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  four- 
teenth day  of  March,  A.D.  1747. 

Praj'er  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Cooper. 
The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 
Sundry  Laws.  Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  the 
Hon0.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  was  chose. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  unanimously  chose  Town  Clerk  for  the 
Year  Ensuing  &  Sworn  by  the  Hon0.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 

[159.]  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  seven  Selectmen,  and 
the  Votes  being  accordingly  brought  in,  the  Select  Men  declared 
there  was  224  Voters  but  upon  Sorting  'em  there  Appeared  there 
was  was  226  Votes  for  one  Gentleman  and  229  for  another,  it  was 
thereupon  determined  by  the  Town  that  the  choice  was  not  legal 
and  the  Inhabitants  agreed  and  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Ad- 
journal to  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  then  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  seven  Select  Men. 

And  the  Meeting  was  Adjourn'd  to  that  time  accordingly. 
Three  o'Clock  Afternoon,  The  Town  mett  according  to  Adjour- 
ment. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  seven  Selectmen  and 
upon  Sorting  the  same  it  Appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen 
were  Chose  Viz1. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
John  Steel  Esqr. 
Cap'.  William  Salter 
Mr.  John  Tyng 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
The  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  overseers  of  the  Poor  for 
the  Year  ensuing  Viz1. 

The  Hon*.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
William  Tyler  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Tho9.  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Col0.  William  Downe 
Andrew  Oliver  Esq1. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mr.  John  Barrett 


132  City  Document  No.   170. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted  that  the  Thanks  of 
the  Town  [160.]  be  and  hereby  is  given  to  Mr.  Jeremiah  Belknap 
for  the  Service  done  by  him  as  one  of  the  Select  Men  the  Year  past. 
Voted  that  the  Town  enter  upon  the  Consideration  of  that  Article 
in  the  Warrant,  to  determine  upon  some  effectual  Method  to  pre- 
vent the  Pernicious  Practice  of  forestalling  the  Market  and  the 
exorbitant  Demand  of  Country  Butchers  &  others  in  the  Price  of 
Provisions  &  whether  Faneuil  Hall  Market  shall  continue  shutt  up 
after  the  third  Tuesday  of  March  instant,  to  Morrow  at  Eleven 

o'Clock  in  the  forenoon,  Also  Voted  that  the  Town  proceed 

to  the  Choice  of  a  County  Treasurer  the  same  time. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer, 

and  they  being  Collected  and  Sorted,  it  appeared  that  the  Hon0. 

Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  was  Chose  by  a  great  Majority,  &  Sworn. 

Voted  that  the  Town  enter  upon  the  Consideration  of  the  Choice 

of  Collectors  tomorrow  at  ten  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Messrs.  Richard  Buckley  Sworn 

Jacob  Parker  Sworn 

Joshua  Blanchard  Sworn 

Nathaniel  Barber  Sworn     }-  Assessors 

William  Fairfield  Sworn 

Cap*.  Daniel  Pecker      Sworn 

Cap1.  John  Goldthwait  Sworn 

were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Tomorrow,  nine  o'Clock 
in  the  forenoon. 

Tuesday  Morning,  Nine  o'Clock,  Town  being  met  according  to 

Adjournment. 

Messrs.  Nathaniel  Hodgdon 

Josiah  Carter 

John  Allen 

James  Dawson 

Thomas  Hase 

were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[161.]  Messrs.  William  Moore  ") 

William  Russell  Sworn 

Benjamin  Russell        Sworn       ,-,  Tr. 

T     J     rr-,     .  o  >  bence  Viewers. 

James  luestone  Sworn    I 

Onesiph — ,,Tilestone Sworn   J 

James  Barnard  J 

Mr.  John  Gray,  Surveyor  of  Hemp.     Sworn. 

Messrs.  David  Colson  junr.    Sworn  )  T   r  „  t-. 

t>     .      ■    u      J  -,        o  >  Informers  of  Deer 

Benjamin  Harrod        Sworn  j 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Band  was  chosen  Hayward  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmen,  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Highways,   for  the 

Year  ensuing. 

Messr9.  William  Hall       Pay  ^ 

Joseph  Treat       Sworn 

William  Winter  Excus'd  y  Hogreeves. 

Thomas  Lawlor  Sworn 

Holmes  Simpson  J 

were  chosen  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


>  Sealers  of  Leather. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1747. 


133 


V  Cullers  of  Staves. 


Messrs.  Isaac  Fowle 

Benjamin  Ballard    Sworne 
Harvey  Thomas       Sworne 
Benjamin  Sault 
Joseph  Dyer  Sworn 

Benjamin  Barnard 
Peter  Cotta 
Thomas  Sergeant 
John  Hobbs 
Joseph  Savel  junr. 
Sendall  Williams     Excus'd  J 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

John  Phillips  Esqr-      " 

John  Hill  Esqr. 

Cap*.  John  Carnes 
[163.]      Cap4.  Isaac  White 

Cap'.  Joseph  Russell 

Cap4.  Henry  Beriy 

Mr.  Joseph  Jackson 

Mr.  James  Day 

Mr.  Robert  Breck 

Mr.  John  Scolley 
were  chosen  Firewards  the  Year  ensuing 
Messr3.  Isaac  Vergoose       "| 
William  Payne 
Edward  Moberley 
James  Barnard 
Thomas  Warden 
Andrew  Symms 
John  Grant 
William  Browne 
Josiah  Waters 
William  Nichols 
were  chosen  Viewers  of  Boards  Shingles  &C 
Messr 


>  Firewards. 


>  Viewers  of  Boards.  —  Shingles  &Ca. 


for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Nathaniel  Thayer 

Excus'd . 

Thomas  Baxter 

Excus'd. 

Timothy  Newell 

Sworn. 

Samuel  Adams 

Sworn. 

Benjamin  Russell 

Excus'd. 

Malachy  Salter 

John  Edwards 

Sworn. 

Samuel  Gerrish 

Excus'd. 

Cap'.  Solomon  Davis 

John  Kneeland  jr. 

Sworn 

Isaac  Smith 

Sworn. 

John  Ridgawaj' 

Sworn. 

Seth  Co  burn  e 

Sworn. 

Daniel  Marsh 

Excus'd. 

John  Dixwell 

Sworn. 

Aaron  Board  man 

Sworn 

Oxenbridge  Tbacher 

jr.  Sworn 

}  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


J 
were  chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

\ 


134 


City  Document  No.  170. 


[163.]  The  Town  Entred  upon  the  Consideration  of  the 
Choice  of  Collectors  of  Taxes  distinct  from  Constables,  and  after 

some  Debate  thereon, Voted  that  the  Town  will  not  choose 

Collectors  of  Taxes  distinct  from  Constables. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  It  was  Voted  that  Collectors 
of  Taxes  be  chose  distinct  from  Constables  the  above  Vote  not- 
withstanding. 

Voted  that  any  Person  chose  into  the  Office  of  a  constable  for 
the  Year  Ensuing  be  Excused  from  serving  provided  he  pay  the 
sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  old  tenor  bills. 

Messr 


Thomas  Gushing 

Pay. 

Nathaniel  Wheelwright 

Excus'd. 

Samuel  Gerrish 

Pay 'din  1743. 

John  Dixwell 

Excus'd. 

Joseph  Scott  junr. 

Pay. 

Joshua  Blanchard  junr. 
William  Dennie 

Pay. 
Pay. 

-  Constables 

David  Jenkins 

Excus'd. 

Timothy  Newell 

Excus'd. 

Henry  Johnson. 

Pay. 

James  Perkins 

Paid  in  1743. 

Thomas  Boylestone  Merch'. 

Pay.                  J 

were  Chosen  Constables  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County  Treas- 
urer, which  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up  by 
Constable  Bell  to  be  by  him  kept  and  Returned  to  the  next  Quarter 
Sessions  for  this  County. 

Pay. 

Sworn. 

Excus'd. 

Sworn. 


Messr 


r 


•{   Constables. 


Thomas  Johnson 
Nathaniel  Proctor 
William  Lowder 
Thomas  Ethridge 
William  Muckelroy  Sworn.       | 
John  Cotton  Excus'd.    (_ 

were  Chosen  Consta.bles  the  Year  ensuing. 
Adjourn'd  to  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[164.]  Three  o'Clock,  Afternoon,  The  Town  being  mett 
according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Lovell  Master  of  the  South  Grammer 
School  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  now  came  under 
Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that 
ihe  sum  of  Two  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  bills,  be  Added  to  Mr. 
Lovels  Salary  to  commence  from  the  last  Quarter,  &  Continue  for 
one  Year. 

Also  Voted  that  the  sum  of  Two  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  bills 
be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  John 
Lovell  in  consideration  of  his  extraordinary  charge  for  two  Years 
past. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall,  Master  of  the  North 
Gramer  School  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  now 
came  under   consideration,    and   after   some   Debate   thereon,  It 

was. 

Voted   that    the  sum   of  Two   hundred    Pounds  old  tenor    be 


Boston   Town  Eecords,  1747.  135 

Added  to  Mr.  Wiswalls  Salary  to  commence  from  the  last  Quarter 
and  to  continue  for  one  year.  And  also  that  the  Sum  of  Seventy 
pounds  old  tenor  bills  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treas- 
ury unto  Mr.  Wiswall  for  Paying  his  House  Rent  for  one  Year. 

Also  Voted  that  the  sum  of  Two  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor 
Bills  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr. 
Peleg  Wiswall,  in  consideration  of  his  extraordinary  Charge  for 
two  Years  past. 

The  Town  Entrecl  into  the  consideration  of  that  article  in  the 
Warrant  Viz1.  Whether  Faneuil  hall  Market  shall  continue  shutt 
up  after  the  third  Tuesday  of  March  instant,  and  what  is  necessary 
to  be  further  done  for  the  better  Regulation  thereof,  and  also 
what  method  the  Town  shall  take  to  prevent  the  pernicious  Prac- 
tice of  forestalling  the  Market,  &  the  exorbitant  demand  of  Country 
Butchers  and  others  in  the  Price  of  Provisions  ;  and  after  some 
Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted,  that. 

[165.]     The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.        "} 
The  Hon°.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 

Benjamin  Faneuil  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene  I   n 

The  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  f  Uommittee- 

Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Mr.  Jacob  Parker 
Mr.  Benjamin  Pratt 
be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Committee  to  take  the  Premisses 
into  Consideration  &  Report  to  the  Town  at  the  Adjournment  of 
this  Meeting  what  is  best  for  the  Town  to  do  thereupon,   Also 
Voted  that  Faneuil  Hall  Market  continue  Shut  up  until  said  Ad- 
journment. 

Voted  that  The  Hon0.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.       "| 

Mr.  John  Smibert  !   ^         ... 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  &      \  Committee- 
Cap4.  William  Salter  J 

be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  what  will 
be  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  to  do  with  the  Dirt  in 
the  Streets  and  Report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meet- 
ing. 

Voted  that  the  Money  now  lying  in  the  Treasury  receiv'd  for 
Quit  Rents  be  Added  to  the  Towns  Present  Stock  for  Purchasing 
Grain,  and  also  that  such  a  further  Sum  beRais'd  and  paid  out  of 
the  Treasury  as  shall  make  said  Stock,  Three  Thousand  Pounds 
old  tenor  in  the  whole. 

The  Petition  of  the  Minister,  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry  of 
Kings  Chappcl  in  Boston,  in  behalf  of  themselves,  and  the  Con- 
gregation that  usually  Attend  the  Publick  Worship  of  God  there, 
Setting  forth  that  said  Chappel  which  has  been  constantly  Im- 
proved for  the  Public  Worship  of  God  for  about  Sixty  Years  past 
is  in  many  parts  of  it  Rotten  and  greatly  decayed,  and  almost 
rendered  unfit  for  that  Service  [166.]  any  longer,  and  said 
Congregation  out  of  Regard  to  the  Honour  of  God  and  for  their 
own  Edification  being  very  desirous  that  the  Publick  worship  of 
God  should  be  still  supported  and  carryed  on  in  said  Place  have 


136  City  Document  No.    170. 

determin'd  to  Rebuild  said  Charg,  and  make  it  some  what  larger 
and  more  Commodious  than  it  now  is,  but  apprehend  they  shall  be 
greatly  Streightened  for  want  of  a  little  Ground  at  the  East  End 
of  said  Church  that  leads  into  the  Burial  place,  the  Pet",  pray  the 
Town  will  be  pleas'd  to  Grant  to  said  Church  so  much  of  their 
Land  Eastward  as  will  make  the  same  Regular  &  Commodious,  or 
if  the  Town  think  best,  that  they  would  Appoint  a  Committee  to 
consider  of  this  Petition,  View  the  premisses  &  Report  to  the 
Town  what  is  best  to  be  done  as  to  granting  the  Prayer  thereof, 

was    Read. And   after  some  Debate  thereon,  It   was   Voted 

that  the  Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  Mr. 
Jeremiah  Allen,  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke,  the  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell 
Esqr.  Mr.  Thomas  Greene,  &  Mr.  John  Tyng  be  &  hereby  they 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  of  said  Petition,  View  the 
Premisses,  Consider  the  Circumstances  of  the  same  and  Report  to 
the  Town  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  whether  it  will  be 
best  for  the  Town  to  Grant  the  Prayer  thereof. 

Messrs.  Joshua  Blanchard,  Daniel  Pecker  &  William  Fairfield  a 
Committee  appointed  the  first  day  of  September  last  to  Enquire  of 
Samuel  Bass  &  Kezia  Harvey  the  most  they  will  give  for  a  Peice 
of  Land  they  Petitioned  the  Town  to  Sell  'em  in  Water  Street 
with  a  Shop  and  Buildings  thereon,  now  Reported  that  they  had 
met  said  Bass  and  Harvey  &  Conferr'd  with  'em  as  to  the  consid- 
eration Money  of  said  Land  and  they  offer  to  give  five  hundred 
Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  for  the  same  but  the  Town  Apprehending 
that  Sum  to  be  much  less  than  the  Value  of  said  Land,  It  was 
Moved  &  Voted  that  the  Select  Men  be  and  they  hereby  are  fully 
Authorized  and  Impowered  to  make  Sale  of  said  Land  and  Build- 
ings thereon,  or  so  much  thereof  as  they  Apprehend  may  be  for 
the  Convenience  of  the  Town  to  such  Person  or  Persons  as  will 
give  most  for  the  same  the  said  Selectmen  to  give  Public  Notice 
of  such  Sale  in  the  News  papers  a  Suitable  time  before  they  shall 
dispose  thereof  and  to  give  and  pass  a  good  &  Sufficient  [167.] 
Deed  or  Deeds  in  the  Law  for  the  same. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  till  tomorrow  nine  o'Clock 
in  the  forenoon. 


Wednesday  March  16th.  1747  Nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon,  The 
Town  being  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

Messrs.  John  Southack Sworn  e    ") 

William  Young Excus'd 

William  Nichols   .....     Sworne     ! 

Robert  Ford Sworne     j    Constables. 

John  Symmes Excus'd    | 

Ellis  Bennett Excus'd  J 

were  Chosen  Constables  the  Year  ensuing. 

It  was  Moved  That  M1'.  Nichols  a  constable  now  chose,  serv'd 
in  that  Office,  the  last  Year,  and  it  was  doubted  whether  he  could 
by  Law  serve  again,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted 
by  the  Town  that  they  Apprehend  it  not  to  be  against  Law, 
for   any   person   chosen   into   the   Office   of    Constable   to   serve 


Boston   Town  Records,  1747.  137 

again  within  Seven  Years  provided  such  person  consents  to  the 

same. 

Messrs.  Thomas  Foster  iunr.      .  Sworn )     A  -.r     , 

n     . ,  r  ,,  J  0  >  Assay  Masters. 

David  Cutler  ....  Sworn  j  J 

were  chosen  Assay  Masters  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmens  Report  on  the  Account  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
Keeper  of  the  Grainary  for  the  Year  past  as  Entred  in  his  Book 
(and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  &  Voted  that  the 
said  Report  be  Accepted,  &  accordingly  that  Mr.  John  Fenno  be 
farther  accountable  to  the  Town  for  sixty  two  bushels  Rye  unsold 
at  33/  p  Bushel,  one  hundred  &  two  pounds  six  shillings,  &  Cash 
in  his  hands,  Nine  hundred  &  Sixty  one  pounds  seven  Shillings  & 
four  pence,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  One  Thousand  &  Sixty 
three  pounds  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  pence  old  tenor,  all  which 
remains  in  his  hands,  exclusive  of  his  Salary  being  One  hundred 
pounds,  &  Thirty  pounds,  allowed  him  for  Assistance,  to  the  third 
instant 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Committee  to  purchase 
Grain,  &  it  appeared  that. 

[168.]     Mess".  Robert  Watt  }     Com-forPurchas- 

Samuel  Bndgham  (      '      C     ' 

Joseph  Jackson  Hatter  )         ° 
were  chosen  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  impowered  to  give  all  need- 
ful direction  to  the  keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantitys 
of  Grain  to  be  sold  &  setling  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time 
as  occasion  shall  require. 

Also  Voted  that  the  said  Committee  be  and  hereby  are  fully  im- 
powered to  borrow  of  any  Gentlemen  such  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money 
as  they  shall  want  for  the  Purchasing  of  Grain  when  they  Appre- 
hend it  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  until  they  receive  it  out  of 
the  Treasury  the  sum  Voted  at  this  Meeting  to  be  Added  to  the 
Stock  for  Purchasing  Grain,  the  said  Committee  not  to  borrow 
more  than  with  what  they  already  have  shall  exceed  the  Capital 
Stock  of  Three  Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor  bills. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Johnson  praying  for  Liberty  to  Build  a 
Shop  on  the  North  Side  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  was  Read,  and 
after  some  Debate  thereon,  A  Question  was  put,  whether  the 
Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted  and  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative, 
and  that  the  same  be  dismissed. 

The  Petition  of  William  Daws  praying  for  Liberty  to  Erect  a 

Shop  on  the  Towns  land  at  the  head  of  the  Dock. was  Read. 

and  thereupon  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Select  Men  be 

and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Comtee.  to  consider  of  said  Petition, 
View  the  Premisses,  and  Report  what  they  Apprehend  it  will  be 
best  for  the  Town  to  do  as  to  Granting  the  Pra}Ter  thereof. 

Voted  that  Col°.  John  Hill  Cap'.  John  Indicott  and  Mr.  Joshua 
Blanchard  be  a  committee  to  Enquire  after  some  Suitable  Peice 
of  Ground  at  the  South  End  for  a  Burial  place  and  Report  thereon 
at  fchre  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  allowed  to  set  upon  Abatements  of 
Taxes  until  the  first  day  of  June  next  and  no  longer. 

It  was  Moved  that  the  Assessors  may  have  Liberty  to  sitt  upon 


i-    Collectors  of  Taxes. 


138  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  all  such  Persons  as  are  at  Sea  or 
out  of  the  Province  and  shall  continue  so  till  after  the  first  of  June 
next  till  some  time  in  the  month  of  November  next,  and  thereupon 
it  was  Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  allowed  to  sitt  the  last  week  in 
November  next  upon  the  [169.]  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such 
persons  accordingly. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Six  Collectors  of 
the  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  no  Person  shall  be  now  choose  into  said  office  that 
has  heretofore  Served  in  it,  and  has  not  paid  to  the  several  Treas- 
ury s  the  full  Sum  he  was  obliged  to  pay  'em  and    can    produce 
their  Receipts  in  full  for  the  Year  1746. 
Mess™.  Benjamin  Edwards  *} 
William  Larrabee 
John  Grant 
John  Ruddock 
John  Welch 
Hopestill  Foster        j 
Voted  that  nine  pence  on  the  pound  be  and  hereby  is  allowed  to 
be  paid  to  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing  on  all  such 
Sums  as  they  shall   Collect,  provided   they  pay  unto   the   Town 
Treasurer  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sum  they  shall  be  obliged  to 
pay  him  within  three  months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the 
Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  three 
months,  and  also  pay  to  the  province  and  County  Treasurers  one 
half  part  of  the  whole  sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  'em  in 
Six  months  from  the  time  they  shall  Receive  said  Books  from  the 
Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  Six  Months  after,  and  in 
Case  either  of  said  Collectors  shall  fail  paying  the  said  Treasurers 
in  the  above  manner,  the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  intitled 
to  the  aforesaid  allowance  of  nine  pence  on  the  Pound  for  Collect- 
ing but  wholly  forfeit  the  same  provided  also  that  the  said  Col- 
lectors give   Bond  with  Sufficient  Suretys   to  the  Satisfaction  of 
the  Selectmen    for  the  faithful   Discharge  of   their  Duty  in  said 

Office. 

The  Petition  of  Samuel  Hunstable  praying  an  allowance  may  be 
made  him  for  Ringing  the  Bell  of  the  Meeting  house  at  the  west- 
erly part  of  the  Town  at  the  Hours  of  nine  and  one  o  Clock  for  one 
Year,  and  five  o'Clock  for  Six  Months  past  was  now  considered  of, 
and  thereupon  it  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are 
Impowered  to  make  such  an  Allowance  to  said  Samuel  Hunstable 
[170.]  for  Ringing  said  Bell  at  the  above  hours  as  the  other  Bell 
Ringers  of  the  Town  have  made  'em,  Also  Voted  that  said  Bell  be 
rung  at  the  hours  of  five  and  Eleven  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon,  and 
one  and  nine  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon,  until  the  Town  shall  Order 

otherwise. 

Mess18.  Augustus  Hale  Sworn       ^ 

John  Clough  junr.  Sworn 

George  Ray  Excus'd     !   ^       .  ,, 

William  Wheeler  Sworn        f 

Timothy  Green  Excus'd 

Benjamin  Eustus  junr.  Pay 
were  chosen  Constables  the  Year  Ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1747.  139 

Voted  that  John  Philips  Esqrs. 

Mr.  Thomas  Green  & 
Col0.  John  Hill 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  whether  it  will  be  for  the  Benefit  of  the 
Tow'n  to  Sell  a  peice  of  Land  near  Mr.  Alexander  Hunts  near  Fort 
hill  or  in  what  manner  Improve  the  same  and  Secure  the  Towns 
Interest  at  Windmill  point  and  make  Report  of  their  doings  at  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Repair  the  Towns  "Ware- 
houses on  the  Dock  Improved  by  Mr.  Dennie  and  Mr.  Gray  and 
also  Rebuild  Swing  Bridge  in  such  form  and  place  as  they  shall 
think  most  convenient  and  best. 

Voted  that  Messrs.  John  Phillips  Esqr. 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene  & 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  whether  it  will  be  for  the  Benefit  of 
the  Town  [171.]  to  Sell  a  Quit  Rent  due  on  Mr.  Frarys  Lease 
of  a  peice  of  Land  at  the  South  part  of  the  Town,  or  do  any  thing 
concerning  the  same  and  make  Report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment 
of  this  Meeting. 

Messrs.  Abijah  Adams  Excus'd.  ~) 

Benjamin  Andrews     Sworn.     >-  Constables 
William  Wait  Wallis  Sworn.     ) 
were  chosen  Constables  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  28th.  Inst, 
at  Nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Monday  March  28th.  1747.  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon  the 
Town  mett  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  Instant  to  consider  of  the 
Petition  of  William  Dawes  for  building  a  Shop  at  the  head  of 
the  Dock  now  Reported  that  they  had  Viewed  the  premises  and 
maturely  considered  of  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  and  Apprehend 
it  will  not  be  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  Allow  such  a  Shop  or 
Building  as  is  Petitioned  for  to  be  Erected  on  said  Land  the  Persons 

in  general  that  live  thereabouts  objecting  to  the  same. Which 

was  Read  & 

Voted  that  the  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  said  Petition 
be  Dismissed. 

Mr.  Thomas  Edes  was  chosen  Constable  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  16th.  Instant  to  enquire  after  some 
suitable  Peice  of  Ground  at  the  South  end  for  a  Burial  place,  Re- 
ported that  they  had  considered  of  the  premisses  and  were  of  opin- 
ion that  a  peice  of  Ground  at  the  lower  end  of  the  common 
adjoyning  to  the  pasture  belonging  to  the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr. 
is  a  place  the  most  convenient  for  a  Burying  Ground  which  being 
Read  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  said  Report  be 
Recommitted,  and  the  said  Committee  are  desired  to  cause  a  plan 
to  be  taken  of  the  Land  proposed  by  them  for  a  Burial  place,  and 
also  consider  whether  it  will  not  be  best  and  most  convenient  that 
a  Highway  should  be  laid  out  between  said  Land  of  Mr.  Allen  and 


140  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  Common  and  they  are  desired  to  Report  hereon  at  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

[172.]  The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  Instant  to  Consider 
of  the  Petition  of  the  Minister  Church  Wardens  and  Vestry  of 
Kings  Chappel  in  Boston,  for  Granting  'em  a  peice  of  Land  to 

enlarge  said  Chappel,  Reported, That  they  had  met  the  Petrs. 

but  done  nothing  thereon,  they  being  desirous  to  withdraw  their 
Petition,  and  several  of  the  Pet13,  being  now  present  and  moving 
that  they  may  have  Liberty  to  withdraw  their  Petition,  It  was 
Voted  that  they  may  have  Liberty  to  with  draw  their  Petition 
accordingly. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  Inst,  to  consider  whether  it 
will  be  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  Sell  the  Quit  Rent  due  on 
Mr.  Frarys  Lease  of  a  peice  of  Land  at  the  South  part  of  the  Town, 
or  do  any  thing  concerning  the  same,  Now  Reported  that  they  had 
met  several  times  considered  of  the  Premisses,  and  are  of  Opinion 
it  will  be  most  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  dispose  of  said  Land 
which  being  Read,  after  some  Debate,  It  was  Voted  that  the  same 
be  Recommitted  and  said  Committee  are  desired  to  Enquire  into 
the  Towns  Interest  in  said  Lands  or  on  either  Side  thereof,  and 
take  a  plan  of  the  same  and  Report  to  the  Town  their  doings 
thereon  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  -14th.  Instant  to  consider  what  will 
be  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  to  do  with  the  Dirt  in  the 
Streets  Reported  that  they  Apprehended  it  would  be  proper  for  the 
Town  to  Impower  the  Selectmen  to  make  Sale  of  the  Dirt  in  the 
Streets  either  to  some  Person  or  Persons  who  will  hire  or  Farm  it 
by  the  Great  or  by  the  Load  as  the  said  Selectmen  shall  find  best  or 
most  practicable  previous  notice  being  seasonably  given  of  their 
intention  in  the  weekly  Prints,  and  to  the  End  the  Dirt  may  be  the 
more  Regularly  and  effectually  Raked  into  heaps  in  the  several 
parts  of  the  Town,  the  Committee  apprehend  it  will  be  very  con- 
venient to  chuse  Scavengers  living  in  each  respective  Ward,  and 
that  they  be  under  Oath  to  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Trust, 
and  that  the  heaps  of  Dirt  Raked  up  be  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Selectmen,  except  what  is  Raked  up  by  the  Abutters  and  laid  on 
their  own  Land  within  Twenty  four  hours  after  its  being  Raked  into 
heaps  which  being  Read  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  [173.]  Select- 
men Act  and  proceed  according  to  the  same,  Also 

Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  be  desired  to  use  their  Endeavours  that  a  Law  be  passed 
in  the  General  Court  obliging  all  persons  that  shall  hereafter  be 
chose  Scavangers  to  be  under  Oath  to  the  faithful  discharge  of 
their  Duty  in  that  place. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  Inst,  to  consider  whether  it 
will  be  most  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  have  Faneuil  Hall  Mar- 
ket continue  Shutt  up,  or  have  it  opened. and  if  opened  what 

is  necessary  to  be  further  done  for  the  Regulation  thereof,  also 
what  Method  the  Town  shall  take  to  prevent  the  pernicious 
practice  of  forestalling  the  Market  and  the  exorbitant  Demand  of 
Country  Butchers  &  others  in  the  Price  of  Provisions  now  made 
Report  in  the  words  following  Viz'. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1747.  141 

1st.  That  a  Subscription  be  Offered  to  some  of  the  principal  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  in  order  to  Raise  a  Sum  not  exceeding  Ten 
Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor  to  be  put  into  the  hands  of  the  Select- 
men by  way  of  Loan  for  one  Year  without  Interest  and  that  they 
be  Authorized  to  give  Security  to  the  Subscribers  for  the  same. 

9d]y>  That  £ke  Selectmen  agree  with  a  Number  of  Town  Butchers 
for  a  Term  not  exceeding  one  Year,  to  purchase  Cattle  for  the 
Supply  of  the  Inhabitants  to  be  sold  in  Faneuil  Hall  Market  on 
three  days  of  the  week  Viz'.  Tuesdays  Thursdays  and  Saturdays 
at  such  Prices  as  the  Selectmen  shall  fix  from  time  to  time ;  said 
Market  first  to  be  Opened  on  Saturday  the  2d.  clay  of  April  next 
and  that  it  be  Recommended  to  the  Inhabitants  to  Buy  no  Beef  of 
the  Country  Butchers  in  the  mean  time,  nor  at  any  time  after  said 
market  shall  be  opened. 

gdiy  That  some  meet  person  be  appointed  to  Attend  the  Market 
constantly  on  Market  day  into  whose  hands  the  money  raised  as 
aforesaid  shall  be  put  in  order  to  Pay  for  the  Cattle  purchased  who 
shall  likewise  receive  all  money  for  Beef  Hydes  and  Tallow  sold 
in  the  Market  and  pay  for  all  Cattle  afterwards  purchased  for  this 
Purpose  which  Person  so  Appointed  shall  give  Securit}r  to  the 
Selectmen  for  the  money  so  received  and  be  alwa}"S  accountable  to 
them  for  the  faithfull  Discharge  of  their  Trust. 

4thly.  That  the  Contracting  Butchers  be  allowed  five  p  Cent  in 
the  whole  (to  be  Computed  on  the  Sale  of  the  Creatures)  for  Buy- 
ing, Selling,  Killing  and  Dressing  the  Creatures  they  finding  all 
necessary  help  for  the  Business  and  Engaging  to  Sell  no  Beef 
during  the  Contract  but  in  the  market. 

5tWy.  That  the  Tanners  of  the  Town  have  the  preference  in  pur- 
chasing the  Hydes  which  shall  be  set  at  Reasonable  Rates,  they 
agreeing  to  Sell  their  Leather  [174.]  Proportionably. 

6th.  That  the  Selectmen  agree  with  other  Butchers  to  Supply  the 
Market  with  small  meat,  and  Advance  suitable  Sums  of  Money  to 
them  upon  giving  good  Security  for  it  (if  the  Sum  Subscribed  will 
Admit  of  it)  and  that  the  preference  be  given  to  Town  Butchers 
or  such  as  will  Remove  into  Town  and  be  Subject  to  the  Regula- 
tions of  the  Selectmen,  and  that  no  other  persons  be  admitted  into 
the  Market  with  Butchers  Meat  except  of  their  own  Raising  which 
shall  appear  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market  and 
that  said  Market  be  free  and  Open  for  all  other  Provisions  brought 
in  by  such  persons. 

7thly.  The  Committee  having  been  likewise  appointed  to  consider 
of  some  method  to  prevent  the  Pernicious  Practice  of  forestalling 
the  Market,  do  herewith  offer  the  form  of  a  By  Law  which  they 
Apprehend  may  have  a  good  Tendency  that  way  if  the  Town 
should  see  meet  to  pass  the  same. 

But  inasmuch  as  Doubts  may  arise  which  of  the  Laws  respecting 
this  matter  are  now  in  force,  or  respecting  the  construction  of  them 
the  Committee  are  rather  of  Opinion,  That  all  the  Regulations 
necessary  under  our  present  Circumstances  relating  to  Butchers, 
Hucksters  forestalling  Sale  of  Provisions,  and  concerning  the 
market,  should  be  Comprized  in  one  Bill  or  Draft  for  a  general  By 
Law  touching  these  things,  and  Repealing  and  Vacating  all  former 


142  City  Document  No.   170. 

By  Laws  Votes  and  Orders  Relating  to  these  things  and  that  the 
same  be  Voted  and  passed  by  the  Town,  and  upon  Approbation 
thereof  by  the  Sessions,  that  it  be  published  in  the  Publick  News 
papers, 

All  which  is  Submitted  by 

AlNdb.  Olive  m 
in  the  Name  of  the  Committee. 
and  the  same  being  Read  and  a  long  Debate  had  thereon, 

It  was  Voted  that  said  Report  be  considered  of  Paragraph 
by  Paragraph,  and  thereupon  the  first  Paragraph  being  again 
Read, 

It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted  with  this  amendment 
only  Viz*.  That  a  Subscription  be  Offered  to  some  of  the  Principal 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  in  order  to  Raise  a  sum  not  exceeding 
Fifteen  Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor  instead  of  Ten  Thousand 
Pounds  old  tenor. 

The  Second  Paragraph  being  Read, 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted. 

[175.]     Then  the  Third  Paragraph  was  Read and 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted. 

Then  the  fourth  Paragraph,  was  Read and 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted. 

Then  the  fifth  Paragraph  was  Read and 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted,  with  this  Amendment  and 
Addition  Viz4.  That  the  Leather-dressers  of  the  Town  have  the 
preference  in  purchasing  small  Skins,  which  shall  be  set  at  Reason- 
able Rates  they  Selling  their  Leather  proportionably. 

Then  the  Sixth  Paragraph. was  Read and 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted. 

Then  the  seventh  Paragraph  was  Read,  and  thereupon  it  was 
Voted  that  the  said  Committee  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  and 
impowered  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  general  By  Law  to  be  pass'd 
the  Town  therein  particularly  expressing  every  thing  they  shall 
apprehend  to  be  necessary  for  the  Regulation  of  Butchers,  Huck- 
sters, Forestallers,  Sale  of  Provisions,  and  the  Market,  and  make 
Report  hereon  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  and 
Impowered  to  Appoint  some  Suitable  person  for  the  several  Pur- 
poses mentioned  in  the  third  Paragraph  he  giving  Security  as  is 
thereby  required. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Clerk  for  Fan- 
euil  Hall  Market  by  a  written  Vote  —  And  the  Votes  being  brought 
"  in  and  Sorted  it  Appeared  that  Mr.  Abijah  Adams  was  chosen. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  Inst,  to  consider  whether  they 
Apprehend  it  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  Sell  a  Peice  of 
Land  near  Mr.  Alexander  Hunts  by  Fort  Hill,  or  in  what 
manner  Improve  the  same  and  also  consider  of  the  best 
Method  for  Securing  the  Towns  Interest  in  their  Land  near  Wind 
Mill  Point  so  called  in  Boston,  now  Reported  that  they  had  Ex- 
amined the  Records  Viewed  the  Lands  above  mentioned  and  got 
what  Insight  they  could  relatiug  to  said  Lands  and  [176.]  were 
of   opinion,  That  a  peice  of  Land  of   Eighty  six  foot  upon  the 


Boston"   Town  Records,  1748.  143 

Sea  Side,  &  about  the  same  Breadth  across  the  foot  of  Forthill 
between  the  Laud  forcnerly  Granted  to  Mr.  Gibbs  (now  in  the 
Possession  of  Mr.  Joseph  Hubbard)  and  the  Grant  made  to  Major 
General  John  Leverett  of  Sixteen  Rod  long  belongs  to  the  Town, 
and  that  Mr.  Alexander  Hunt  has  built  a  House  on  the  same,  and 
said  committee  think  it  most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  get 

Possession  of  the  premisses  and  then  Sell  the  same. and  they 

having  been  at  Windmill  Point  and  Examined  the  Records  and 
neighbours  do  think  it  most  for  the  Towns  Interest  to  Build  two 
Wharffs  of  Eight  foot  Square  each,  and  have  one  of  them  fixed  on 
the  Towns  Land  next  Mr.  William  Wheelers  Land  and  the  other 
on  the  Northeast  part  of  the  Point,  in  order  to  preserve  their  right 
which  Report  being  Read,  it  was 

Voted  that,  that  part  thereof  which  Relates  to  the  Land  on 
which  said  Alexander  Hunt  has  Built  a  House  be  accepted,  Also 

Voted  that  the  said  Shem  Drowne,  Thomas  Greene  &  Jacob 
Parker  be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Committee  for  and  on  behalf 
of  the  Town  to  prosecute  in  the  Law  any  Person  or  Persons  that 
now  are  in  possession  of  said  Land,  or  any  part  thereof,  or  that 
have  made  any  Encroachments  thereon,  that  so  the  Town  may 
obtain  possession  of  their  said  Lands  and  Dispose  of  'em  as  they 
shall  think  best,  on  the  other  part  of  said  Report  relating  to  the 
Towns  Lands  near  Windmill  Point,  Voted  that  the  same  be  Re- 
ferr'd  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  for  consideration, 
and  said  Committee  are  desired  then  to  lay  before  the  Town  all  the 
Records  and  Papers  that  Relate  to  this  Affair. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  &  things  whatsoever  that  Relate  to  the 
Business  of  this  Meeting  &  remain  unfinished  be  Referr'd  over  to 
the  next  General  Town  Meeting  to  be  then  considered  of  &  Acted 
upon. 

Voted  Unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
is  given  to  the  Honble.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting,  for  the  great  Dispatch  he  has  given  to  the  Business 
thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[177.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
fourth  day  of  April  A.D.  1748. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion  was  chosen  Moderator  by  a  written  Vote. 

This  Meeting  being  called  to  consider  of  the  Petition  of  the 
Minister,  Church  wardens,  &  Vestry  of  Kings  Chappel  for  granting 
'em  a  peice  of  Land  at  the  East  end  of  said  Chappel  on  part 
whereof  the  Latin  School  now  stands  in  order  to  Enlarge  the 
same,  and  of  the  proposals  of  said  Petrs.  for  Purchasing  a  peice  of 
Land  &  Erecting  a  New  School  house  at  their  Expence  in  consid- 
eration of  said  Grant :  —  The  Gentm.  who  Petitioned  for  this 
Meeting  being  present,  desired  the  Town  would  not  at  this  time 
proceed  thereupon,  but  prayed  they  might  have  Liberty  to  with- 
draw their  said  Petition  for  the  Grant  of  said  Land  &Ca.  where- 


144  City  Document  No.  170. 

upon  It  was  Voted  that  the  Petitioners  have  Liberty  to  withdraw 

their  said  Petition,  and  they  accordingly  withdrew  the  same. 

And  then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  &  lawfully  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Eleventh 
day  of  April  A.D.  1748. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meetiug,  Read. 

The  Hon°.  Thomas  Hutchiuson  Esq1',  was  chosen  Moderator  of 
this  Meetiug  (by  a  written  Vote.) 

The  Affair  mentioned  in  the  warrant  for  Regulating  Faneuil 
Hall  Market  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are 
desired  to  Execute  a  Counterpart  of  the  Contract  made  with  the 
Butchers  that  have  undertaken  to  purchase  kill  and  Sell  Cattle 
for  the  Supply  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  upon  the  Terms  they  have 
already  agreed  to  do  the  same. 

[178.]  Also  Voted  that  over  and  above  the  five  p  Cent 
allowed  tne  Butchers  therefor,  the  Offel  be  allowed  them  tho  the 
same  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Agreement  they  signed  and  give  the 
Committee.    Also 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  give  Orders  that  Faneuil 
Hall  Market  be  opened  every  Day  in  the  week  (Lords  days  ex- 
cepted) the  whole  Forenoon,  and  such  afternoons  as  they  shall 
think  necessary,  besides  Tuesdays  Thursdays  and  Saturdays. 

Voted  that  the  consideration  of  the  further  Regulation  of  Faneuil 
Hall  Market  be  referr'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  the  Minister  Wardens  and  Vestry  of  Kings 
Chappie  in  Boston  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  Congregation 
that  usually  attend  the  Publick  worship  of  God  there,  setting 
forth 

That  said  Chapel  which  has  constantly  been  Improved  for  the 
Publick  worship  of  God  for  about  Sixty  Years  past  is  in  many 
Parts. of  it  Rotten  &  greatly  decayed.  &  almost  rendered  uncapable 
for  that  Service  any  longer,  and  said  congregation  out  of  Regard 
to  the  Honour  of  God  and  for  their  own  Edification  being  very 
desirous  that  the  Publick  worship  of  God  should  be  still  Supported 
and  Carried  on  in  said  Place,  have  determined  to  Rebuild  said 
Church  and  make  it  some  what  larger  more  Comodious  and  Regular 
than  it  now  is  but  apprehend  they  shall  be  greatly  Straitned  for 
want  of   Ground  at  the  East  End  of   said  Church  to  Effect  the 

same. Your   Petitioners   therefore  pray   the  Town  would  be 

pleased  to  Grant  to  said  Church  34  foot  Eastward  for  the  Body  of 
said  chapel  and  10  foot  for  a  Chancel  in  order  to  enlarge  the  same 
into  a  Regular  and  Commodious  Building  and  whereas  the 
Town  has  a  School  house  upon  part  of  the  Land  which  your 
Pet".  Request,  It  is  therefore  humbly  proposed  in  consideration  of 
the  Grant  hereby  Request,  That  the  Petrs.  do  Purchase  and  make 
over  to  the  Town  a  Peice  of  Ground  at  the  upper  End  of  the  Lane 
or  Passage  fronting  the  present  School  house  of  like  Dimensions 
with  the  present,  the  said  Petitioners  not  to  dig  or  [179.]  open 


Boston   Town  Records,  1748.  145 

any  Ground  which  the  Additional  Building  shall  cover,  excepting 
to  lay  the  Foundation,  nor  at  any  time  to  exclude  those  who  have 
vaults  or  Tombs  within  the  requested  Limits  to  have  free  access  to 

them. 

Your  Petrs.  apprehend  that  the  said  Grant  will  be  no  detriment 
to  the  Town  as  the  present  School  house  is  much  decayed  in  many 
parts  defective,  and  will  in  a  Short  Space  of  time  require  to  be 
New  Built,  and  as  the  place  now  proposed  for  the  School,  neither 
has  nor  can  possibly  have  any  Contiguous  Building  being  Eighty 
eight  foot  long,  and  Seventy  seven  foot  wide,  has  a  free  Air,  a 
pleasant  Assent  &  Capable  of  a  Southerly  Highway  to  it  from 
Bromfields  Lane  which  if  it  be  thought  necessary  the  Petitioners 
have  a  reasonable  Prospect  of  Obtaining,  is  very  near  to  School 
Street,  and  yet  agreeably  Retired,  The  Town  will  have  a  larger 
Peice  of  Ground  to  Accommodate  the  School,  The  Chapel  afore- 
said and  other  Neighbouring  houses  will  be  less  in  danger  from 
Fire  and  such  accidents  The  Town  Receive  a  New  Ornament  in 
the  Buildings  proposed,  and  all  to  be  effected  at  the  charge  of  the 
Petitrs.  and  others  such  well  disposed  persons  as  shall  think  proper 
to  contribute  to  the  same,  for  a  clearer  View  of  what  your  Petrs. 
hereby  Request  we  Refer  to  the  Platts  of  the  Ground  and  the 
Buildings    annexed,  Hoping   the   Town  upon   the    considerations 

abovesaid  will  grant  the  said  Petition. was  Read,  and  after 

some  Debate  thereon. 

It  was  Moved,  Seconded  &  Voted  that 
The  Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 

John  Steel  Esqr. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 

Mr.  John  Tyng 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 

John  Fayerweather  Esqr.  & 

Mr.  Hugh  Vans 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare  the 
form  of  a  Vote  in  answer  to  the  said  Petition  with  such  Conditions 
and  Reservations  annexed  to  it  as  said  Committee  shall  think  nec- 
essary and  proper  and  they  are  desired  to  Report  hereon  at  the 
intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  18th.  Inst, 
at  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Monday  18th.  April  1748.  The  Town  Mett  according  to  their 
Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  11th.  instant  to  prepare  the  form 
[180.]  of  a  Vote,  in  answer  to  the  Petition  of  the  Wardens  & 

Vestry  of  Kings  Chapel, praying  for  a  peice  of  Ground  in 

order  to  Enlarge  the  Church,  Reported  that  they  had  Maturely 
considered  the  Affair,  and  agreed  to  Offer  the  following  Draft  to 
the  Town,  Viz'. 

That  the  Selectmen  be  Impowered  to  make  a  legal  Conveyance  in 
behalf  of  the  Town  to  the  Petitioners  of  the  several  Peices  of  Land 
and  of  the  Priviledge  hereafter  mentioned  upon  their  first  Com- 
plying with  or    Satisfying  the    Selectmen  with  Respect  unto  the 


146  City  Document  No.   170. 

Terms  and  Conditions  herein  Required  of  them  Viz4,  a  Peice  of 
Land  Fronting  on  School  Street  extending  Thirty  feet  on  said  Street 
from  the  East  end  of  Kings  Chappel  and  includes  the  Passage  way 
into  the  Burying  Ground,  and  the  westerly  part  of  the  School 
house  and  of  the  Yard  thereto  belonging  measuring  Thirty  Seven 
feet  back  from  the  said  Street  together  with  the  old  School  house 
and  other  Buildings  belonging  to  it,  being  partly  on  the  premisses 
and  partly  on  the  Towns  Land  Adjoyning  to  be  Removed  when 
the  Town  shall  Require  it  at  the  Expence  of  the  Petrs.,  Also  a  Strip 
of  Land  Thirty  feet  in  Length  and  four  feet  wide  extending  from 
the  Northeast  Corner,  of  the  old  Chappel  upon  a  Line  with  the 
North  Side  of  said  Chappel  in  order  to  Erect  thereon  part  of  the 
Walls  of  the  proposed  New  Church,  also  another  Strip  of  Land  of 
said  Wedth  Adjoyning  to  and  turning  upon  a  Right  Angle  with 
the  former,  thence  running  until  it  meets  the  larger  Peice  herein 
first  proposed  to  be  granted  saving  a  passage  way  of  Six  feet  wide 
in  the  last  mentioned  Strip,  thro  the  Walls  of  the  New  Church  in 
some  convenient  Place  between  the  Northeast  Corner  and  the 
Chancel  herein  after  mentioned  which  Entrance  shall  be  at  least 
Six  feet  high  leading  into  a  Peice  of  Burving  Ground  belonging  to 
the  Town  which  Peice  measures  twenty  five  feet  North  and  South 
and  twenty  feet  East  &  west,  also  another  Peice  of  Land  in  form 
of  half  Oval  Adjoyning  Easterly  upon  the  beforementioned  pro- 
posed Grants  and  extending  fifteen  feet  North,  and  as  much  South 
from  the  Middle  of  the  Eastermost  Line  thereof,  and  to  extend 
ten  feet  further  East  in  its  extreme  distance  from  said  Middle 
Point  being  for  the  proposed  Chancel,  provided  there  shall  be  Still 
left  a  Passage  way  of  at  least  Eleven  feet  in  the  Narrowest  part 
between  said  Chancel  &  Mr.  Cookes  Line  into  the  Burying  Ground  ; 
provided  also  that  the  Bodys  of  those  who  shall  be  known  to  lye 
in  the  said  Strips  of  Land,  or  within  the  [181.]  said  half  oval 
Peice  shall  be  decently  taken  up  and  buryed  in  some  other  part  of 
the  Burying  Ground  with  the  consent  of  their  Friends,  and  in  such 
manner  as  they  with  the  Selectmen  shall  agree  to  and  direct  or 
where  no  Friends  shall  appear  they  shall  be  Removed  as  they  shall 
be  removed  as  the  said  Selectmen  shall  direct  at  the  charge  of  the 
Petitioners. 

Also  a  priviledge  to  Extend  their  New  Building  over  the  aforesaid 
peice  of  Burying  Ground  lying  to  the  Northward  of  the  present 
School  house  and  measuring  25  feet  by  20  as  before  Expressed : 
provided  they  do  not  carry  the  floor  of  the  Church  or  otherwise 
Incumber  the  same  within  eight  feet  of  the  Surface  of  the  Earth  as 
it  now  lyes,  and  that  no  Monuments  or  Grave  Stones  either  within 
or  without  the  Building  be  destroyed  or  if  accidently  broken  in 
carrying  on  the  work  be  repaired  at  the  charge  of  the  Petitioners  : 
unless  the}7  shall  agree  with  the  Friends  of  those  who  may  lye 
Buryed  in  said  Peice  of  Ground,  or  where  no  Friends  Appear  with 
the  Selectmen  to  Remove  the  Bodys  in  manner  as  is  herein  pro- 
vided for  the  other  Dead  Body's  before  mentioned  then  and  in 'such 
case  that  the  Selectmen  be  Impowered  likewise  to  convey  to  the 
Petr8.  said  Peice  of  Burying  Ground  and  the  Entrance  into  it  herein 
before  Reserved. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1748.  147 

That  in  consideration  of  the  proposed  Grants  before  mentioned 
the  Petitioners  shall  procure  and  cause  a  legal  Title  to  be  made  to 
the  Town  of  a  Certain  Peice  of  Land  over  against  the  present 
Grammer  School  now  in  the  Occupation  of  the  Widow  Green  and 
others  measuring  34-|  feet  or  thereabouts  on  School  Street  and  run- 
ing  97  feet  back  more  or  less,  bounded  on  the  West  by  Col0. 
Wendells  Land,  and  Easterly  on  a  passage  way  leading  to  the  house 
where  Mr.  Guntor  now  dwells,  together  with  the  priviledge  of  said 
Passage  way  forever,  saving  to  the  Petitioners  a  Liberty  of  Remov- 
ing if  they  see  good  the  Buildings  now  upon  said  Land,  when 
Required  by  the  Selectmen,  —  said  Petitioners  likewise  to  Erect 
upon  said  Land  a  New  School  house  of  like  Dimensions  and 
accommodations  with  the  present  and  finish  the  same  in  like  decent 
manner  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  unless  the  PetTS.  should 
propose  a  Sum  of  money  to  the  Acceptance  of  the  Town,  instead 
of  Erecting  the  said  Building. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted  in  the  Name  and  by  order  of  the 
Committee. 

Boston  18th.  April  1748.  Andr.  Oliver. 

Which  Report  being  Read  and  a  long  Debate  had  thereon,  It  was 
Moved  and  Seconded  that  the  following  Question  may  be  put  Viz1. 
whether  the  Town  have  Power  in  this  Meeting  to  Appropriate  or 
Dispose  of  the  Land  on  which  the  South  Latin  School  stands  to 
any  other  use  than  for  a  School,  the  Vote  of  the  Town  of  the  14th. 
lmo.  1655  as  Entred  in  the  Towns  Records  notwithstanding,  and 
the  same  being  accordingly  put, It  was  Voted  in  the  Affirma- 
tive.   

And  then  on  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  the  following  Question 
was  put  [182.]  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  have  power  to  Accept  of 
the  said  Report  of  the  Committee,  the  province  Laws  of  the  fourth 
William  and  Mary,  Entitled  an  act  for  Regulating  of  Townships, 
choice  of  Town  officers  and  setting  forth  their  Power  and  the  Twelfth 
of  Queen  Ann,  Entitled  an  act  directing  how  Meetings  of  proprietors 
of  Lands  lying  in  common  may  be  called,  which  have  been  now  Read 
notwithstanding,  and  it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative.  And  then  it 
was  proposed  &  seconded,  that  the  following  Question  may  be  put 
Vizfc.  Whether  the  said  Draft  of  a  Vote  as  prepared  by  the  Com- 
mittee be  Accepted, Whereupon,  It  was  Moved  that  the  Vote 

of  Acceptance  of  said  Draft  maybe  Determined  by  a  written  Vote 
and  that  those  persons  that  are  for  Accepting  said  Draft  &  passing 
it  as  the  Vote  of  the  Town  be  directed  to  write  Yea,  and  those  that 
are  not  for  it  write  Nay  and  the  Question  being  put,  Whether  it 
should  be  thus  determined  by  a  written  Vote,  ...  It  passed  in 

the  Affirmative. And  thereupon  the  Inhabitants  were  directed 

to  bring  in  their  Votes  in  writing,  and  such  of  'em  as  were  for  Ac- 
cepting of  Said  Draft  of  a  Vote  as  prepared  by  the  committee  and 
passing  the  same  as  the  Vote  of  the  Town  in  Answer  to  said  Pe- 
tition were  desired  to  write  Yea,  and  such  as  were  not  for  Ac- 
cepting it  to  write  Nay,  And  the  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in 
their  Votes,  &  when  the  Selectmen  were  Receiving  'em  at  the  Door 
of  the  Hall  they  observed  one  of  the  Inhabitants  Viz*.  John  Pigeon 


148  City  Document  No.   170. 

to  put  in  about  a  dozen  with  the  word  Yea  wrote  on  all  of  'em  and 
being  charged  with  so  doing  he  acknowledged  it,  &  was  thereupon 
ordered  by  the  Moderator  to  pay  a  Fine  of  Five  Pounds  for  putting 
in  more  than  one  Vote  according  to  Law,  and  the  Moderator  there- 
upon Declared  to  the  Inhabitants  that  they  must  withdraw  and  bring 
in  their  Votes  again  in  manner  as  before  directed,  and  the  Inhabi- 
tants accordingly  withdrew,  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and 
Sorted  it  appeared  that  there  was  Four  hundred  and  two  Voters 
and  that  there  was. 

Two  hundred  and  five Yeas  & 

One  hundred  &  Ninety  seven Nays 

Whereupon,    it  was  declared  by  the  Moderator,  that  the  said 
Form  of  a  Vote  was  Accepted  and  Passed  by  the  Town  accordingly. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[183.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  tenth 
day  of  May  A.D.  1748. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Cheekley  junr. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.    Read. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  one  the  Selectmen  in  their  name  proposed 
to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Person 
or  persons  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  'em  in  a  Great  and  General 
Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the 
Twenty  fifth  day  of  May  instant,  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider 
and  ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly 
It  was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives  and 
it  was  Declared  that  the  Poll  be  closed  at  twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  723,  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the  following 
Gentn.  were  chose.  Viz'. 

The  HonbIe.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  .     .  N°.  of  Voters  406. 

The  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr 389. 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.       .      .     .      .     .     .      704. 

Mr.  John  Tyng 369. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  being 
Declared  by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator 
and  upon  Sorting  the  same  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  Thomas 
Hutchinson  Esqr.  was  chosen. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  three  a  Clock,  After- 
noon. 

Tuesday,  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according 
to  their  Adjournment. 

[184e]  The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the 
Publick  Schools.    Read  and  is  as  follows  Viz*. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  10.  1748. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
12th.  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  several  Pub- 


Boston   Town  Records,  1748. 


149 


lick  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accom- 
pany them  therein  as  they  should  think  proper,  and  to  Report 
thereon. 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  on  Fri- 
day the  Nineteenth  of  June  last,  accompanied  bv  the  following 
Gentn.  Viz*. 

The  Hon0.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr 
John  Jeffries  Esqr. 


The  Hon0 
The  Hon0 
The  Hon0 


Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 
Edward  Winslow  Esqr. 
George  Cradock  Esqr. 
John  Fayerweather  Esqr. 
Jonas  Clarke  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esq1. 
Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 


The  Gentu  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton. 

The  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall 
Mr.  Samuel  Checkley 
Mr.  William  Welsteed 
Mr.  Samuel  Mather 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
Cap1.  Henry  Atkins 
Mr.  Rufus  Greene 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 


Mr.  Ebenr.  Storer 
And  found  the  South  Gramme r  School  wherein  were  110  Scholars 
in  very  good  Order,  the  Soutli  writing  School  in  the  Common 
wherein  were  265  Scholars  in  like  good  order,  the  writing  School 
in  Queen  Street  wherein  were  62  Scholars  in  very  good  order,  the 
North  Grammar  School  of  40  Scholars  in  good  order,  &  the  North 
writing  School  wherein  were  271  Scholars  in  very  good  Order. 

Thomas  Hancock 
John  Steel 
WM.  Salter 
John  Tyng 
Sam  Grant. 
[185.]     Voted  that  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Gentle- 
men the  Selectmen   be  desired  to  Visit  the  publick  Schools    the 
Year  ensuing,  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany 
them  therein  as  they  shall  think  convenient  and  that  they  Report 
thereon. 

Mess™.  Joseph  Belknap  N| 

Nathaniel  Gardner 
.  Knight  Leverett 
Joshua  Pickman  jr. 
John  Maverick 
Benjamin  Frothingham 
John  Colson  y   Scavengers. 

David  Evans    Excused 
John  Taylor 
Michael  Dennis 
Gillam  Phillips  Esqr. 
Benj\  Harrod 
James  1 1  ill 
were  chosen  Scavengers  the  Year  Ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks  master  of  the  North  writing 
School  Praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  now  came  under  con- 
sideration and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  the 


150  City  Document  No.  170. 

Sum  of  Two  hundred  and  Twenty  pounds  old  tenor  be  Added  to 
Mr.  Hicks  Salary  for  one  Year  to  commence  from  the  last  Quarter. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Proctor  junr.  Usher  of  the  North 
writing  School,  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  now  came 
under  consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon  It  was  Voted 
that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  fifty  Pounds  old  tenor  be  Added 
to  Mr.  Proctors  Salary  for  one  Year  to  Commence  from  the  last 
Quarter. 

The  Request  of  the  Committee  of  the  Proprietors  oi:  the  long 
Wharffe  or  Pier  at  the  lower  end  of  King  Street  that  the  Breast 
work  lately  Erected  at  the  End  of  said  Wharffe  may  be  Removed 
was  taken  into  consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It 
was  Moved  and  Seconded  that  the  following  Question  may  be  put 
Viz*.  Whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted  and  it  being 
accordingly  put,  It  was  Voted  in  the  Negative  and  [186.]  then 
Voted  that  the  Petition  be  Dismissed. 

The  Gentlemen  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  prayed  the  following 
Articles  containing  Alterations  and  Additions  to  the  orders  and  By 
Laws  now  in  Force  for  Regulating  and  Governing  the  Work  house 
may  be  considered  and  approved  of  by  the  Town,  which  being- 
Read  are  as  follows  Viz'. 

l8t.  That  the  General  Meeting  for  Overseers  of  the  Poor  at  the 
Work  house  to  Inspect  the  Affairs  of  the  House  and  Advise  about 
such  further  Rules  and  Methods  as  may  be  for  the  Advantage  of 
said  House  which  Meeting  is  now  fixed  to  the  third  Tuesday  be 
chang'd  to  the  first  Wednesday  of  each  month  and  accordingly 
held  on  said  Day  at  four  of  the  Afternoon. 

2.  That  instead  of  the  Committee  of  three  to  take  the  more 
immediate  inspection  of  the  House  for  each  month  as  the  Law  now 
stands  ;  there  shall  hereafter  be  appointed  by  the  overseers  at  their 
monthly  meeting  so  many  of  their  Number  for  a  committee  as 
shall  correspond  with  the  Number  of  weeks  that  may  happen  until 
the  next  monthly  meeting,  two  of  whom  shall  be  a  Quorum  &  meet 
on  every  Wednesday  except  the  day  of  the  monthly  meeting  for 
Advising  and  Assisting  the  master  in  the  Affairs  of  the  House  : 
and  one  of  said  Overseers  shall  have  the  more  immediate  Over- 
sight of  the  House  for  one  Week  who  shall  Endeavour  to  Obtain 
some  Suitable  person  to  preach  on  the  Lords  day  in  like  manner 
as  has  been  usual  for  some  Years  past  and  shall  Visit  the  House 
as  often  as  may  be,  at  least  three  times  in  each  Week  for  inspecting 
the  management  of  it  &  the  behaviour  of  the  persons  in  it,  But 
in  important  cases  the  Committee  for  the  month  or  if  need  be 
the  Body  of  Overseers  shall  be  called  together  to  Advise  there- 
upon.   

3dly.  That  the  Overseers  at  their  monthly  meeting  or  the  Committee 
of  Overseers  be  further  Impowered  to  Punish  such  Persons  as  shall 
be  legally  Committed  to  the  House  and  who  shall  threaten  or  at- 
tempt to  make  their  Escape  therefrom,  or  such  as  having  Escaped 
shall  be  again  so  committed  by  fixing  a  Wooden  Clog  with  an 
Iron  Chain  to  one  of  the  Legs  of  such  Offenders. 

And  after  the  same  was  Read  a  Question  was  put  "Whether 


Boston  Town  Records,  1748.  151 

[187.]     the  Town  do  Approve  and  Accept  of  said  three  articles 

for  the  better  Regulating  of  the  work  house. And  it  passed  in 

the  affirmative. — Also 

Voted  that  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  and  hereby  are  desired 
to  proceed  to  Regulate  and  Govern  the  work  house  accordingly 
until  the  Town  shall  order  otherwise. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Fleet  praying  the  Town  to  Sell  or 
Lease  to  him  for  a  term  not  less  than  fourteen  Years,  a  small 
Peice  of  Land  in  Water  Street  at  the  Rear  of  the  Estate  of  the 
late  Jonathan  Furnass  deced,  it  being  at  present  wholly  unimprov'd 
and  of  no  use  to  the  Town ;  was  now  taken  into  consideration  & 
after  some  Debate  thereon ;  It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be 
and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  of  this  Petition 
&  Report  at  the  uext  General  Town  Meeting  what  they  apprehend 
the  Town  had  best  do  thereon. 

The  Town  entred  upon  the  consideration  of  the  Petition  of  sev- 
eral Freeholders  that  the  Town  would  reconsider  their  Votes 
Pass'd  the  18th.  of  April  last ;  Relating  to  the  Acceptance  of  the 
Report  of  a  Committee  then  made  for  granting  a  Peice  of  Land  to 
the  Minister  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry  of  Kings  Chappel :  and 
after  a  long  Debate  thereon  the  following.  Question  was  put  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  will  Sustain  the  said  Petition,  and  it  pass'd 
in  the  negative  by  a  great  majority. 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  White,  &  Benjamin  Edwards,  Collectors 
of  Taxes  within  this  Town  setting  forth  that  they  being  Collectors 
of  Taxes  in  the  Years  1744,  1745,  &  1746,  had  committed  to  'em 
by  the  Assessors  of  said  Town,  the  Taxes  of  sundry  Persons  to 
Collect  that  were  abroad  at  Sea  at  the  time  when  they  receiv'd  the 
Books  of  the  Assessors,  many  of  whom  the  Petrs.  never  saw,  they 
not  having  return'd  since,  and  others  of  the  Inhabitants  have  died 
so  extremely  Poor,  that  the  Petr3.  notwithstanding  all  their  Care 
&  Pains  could  not  get  in  their  Taxes,  &  as  it  is  not  now  in  the 
Power  of  the  Assessors  to  make  'em  any  Abatements,  the  Pe- 
titioners, therefore  pray  that  a  Committee  may  be  appointed  to 
enquire  &  make  Report  of  all  such  Taxes  as  they  in  Justice  ap- 
prehend the  Petrs.  ought  to  be  abated  in  those  Years :  was  Read 
&  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  the  present  Assessors  of  the  Town 
be  &  hereby  they  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  this 
[188.]  Petition  hear  the  Petitioners  thereupon,  and  Report 
what  Taxes  they  apprehend  ought  to  be  abated  the  Petitioners. 

Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  presented  an  Estimate  of  what  may 
be  proper  for  the  Town  to  raise  for  defraying  the  Charges  of  the 
Ensuing  Year. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Twenty  seven  Thousand  Pounds  old  tenour 
Bills,  to  be  Rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  the  Polls  &  Estates  within  the 
Town  of  Boston  for  Relief  of  the  Poor  and  defraying  other  neces- 
sary charges  arising  within  and  for  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that,  John  Wheelwright  Esqr. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esqr. 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Holmes 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene  & 
Mr.  William  Coffin 


152  City  Document  No.   170. 

be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the 
Year  ensuing  and  make  Report  as  usual  And  that  they  also  Audit 
the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the  Alms- 
house &  the  Workhouse,  and  to  attend  the  same  at  the  usual  place 
of  said  Overseers  Meeting,  and  said  Accots.  being  Audited  the 
said  Committee  are  desired  to  make  Report  thereon  as  usual. 

Voted  that  Col°.  John  Hill 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene  & 
Mr.  William  Coffin 
be  and  hereby  they  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  the 
best  Method  the  Town  can  take  to  supply  themselves  with  Fuel  & 
Report  hereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  28th.  of  March  last  to  prepare  a 
plan  of  the  Peice  of  Land  they  propos'd  for  a  Burial  place  now 
made  a  Report  of  their  doings  thereon,  and  the  same  was  Read 
and  is  as  follows  Viz*. 

We  the  Subscribers  agreeable  to  the  desire  of  the  [189.] 
Town  have  Caus'd  a  plan  to  be  taken  of  the  Land  propos'd  for  a 
Burial  place,  which  is  herewith  presented,  said  Land  being  bounded 
Easterly  on  that  part  of  the  Common  called  the  mall  there  meas- 
uring ninety  feet  &  ten  feet  more  on  said  mall  for  an  highway, 
Southerly  on  the  heirs  of  the  Hon0.  Col0.  Fitch  there  measuring 
Four  hundred  &  Eight  feet,  Westerly  on  the  Common  One  hun- 
dred &  fifty  eight  feet,  Northerly  on  said  Common  Three  hundred 
&  ninety  Six  feet  &  an  half,  and  we  apprehend  it  will  be  much  best 
for  an  highway  to  be  lay'd  out  between  said  propos'd  Burial  place 
&  the  land  of  the  heirs  of  said  Fitch,  provided  said  heirs  will  allow 
ten  feet  more  in  wedth  for  said  highway,  the  whole  length  thereof 
the  ten  feet  of  the  Towns  Land  above  mentioned  being  reserv'd 
for  to  make  said  Highway  Twenty  feet  wide.  Witness  our  hands 
may  9,  1748, 

John  Indicott 
John  Hill 
Joshua  Blanchard 
and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  the  said  Report 
be  not  Accepted. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  28th.  of  March  last  to  prepare  the 
Records  &  Papers  that  relate  to  the  Towns  Interest  near  Wind 
mill  Point,  Reported  that  they  had  procur'd  Copy's  of  all  the 
Records  &  papers  that  they  could  find  relating  to  the  Towns  Inter- 
est near  Windmill  Point,  &  now  present  them  to  the  Town  for 
their  consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that 
said  Report  be  further  Referr'd  over  to  the  next  General  Town 
Meeting. 

Voted  that  all  matters  &  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be  re- 
ferred over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  to  be  considered 
of  &  acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


[190.]     At  a  Meeting  of   the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualify'd  and  lawfully  Warned 


Boston  Town  Records,  1748.  15& 

in  Public  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday 
the  Twenty  first  day  of  September  A.D.  1748. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

The  Honble  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  was  chosen  Moderator  by 
a  written  Vote. 

The  Town  proceeded  upon  the  Business  of  the  Meeting  men- 
tion'd  in  the  Warrant  Viz*,  to  consider  what  they  will  further  do 
as  to  the  Regulation  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  and  after  some  De- 
bate thereon,  It  was  Moved  &  Seconded,  That  the  following 
Question  might  be  put  Viz*.  Whether  the  Town  would  continue  to 
supply  Faneuil  Hall  Market  with  Provisions  as  heretofore,  and 
the  same  being  put  it  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative  by  a  great  Major- 
ity. 

And  then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualify'd  &  lawfully  warn'd  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  twenty  sixth 
day  of  December  1748. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Ellis  Gray. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  pro- 
pos'd  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  [191.]  Whether  they  would 
proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  person  to  serve  for  and  Represent  them 
in  the  Great  &  General  Court  in  their  Session  &  Sessions  the 
present  Year  in  the  Room  of  James  Allen  Esqr.  who  for  his  con- 
tempt of  the  orders  of  the  Hon°.  House  of  Representatives  is  Ex- 
pelled that  House,  and  thereupon,  It  was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the 
choice  of  a  Representative  accordingly,  and  it  was  declar'd  by  the 
Selectmen  that  the  Poll  Sho'd  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  number  of  Voters  were  found 
to  be  473,  and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appear'd  that  James  Allen  Esqr. 
was  chose,  having  346  Votes. 

The  Election  of  a  Representative  being  over,  and  the  same  de- 
clar'd by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator 
and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appear'd  that  the  Hon°.  James  Allen  Esqr. 
was  unanimously  chosen. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Collector  of  Taxes  in  the 
Room  of  Mr.  John  Welch  who  Refuses  to  Serve  and  upon  sorting 
'em  it  appear'd  that  Mr.  John  Staniford  was  chose  by  a  great 
Majority. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded^  It  was  Voted  that  the  Thanks 
of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to  the  Hon0.  James  Allen  Esqr. 
the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  dispatching  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[192.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  public 


154  City  Document  No.   170. 

Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  thirteenth 
day  of  March  A.D.  1748. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Head. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  Collecting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the 
Honblc.  James  Allen  Esqr  was  chosen. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  Ensuing, 
and  sworne  to  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Duty  in  that  Office  by 
the  Honble.  Edwd.  Hutchinson  Esqr. 

Voted  that,  (he  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Seven  Selectmen, 
and  the  Votes  being  accordingly  brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared 
that  only  Six  were  chose  Viz'. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 

John  Steel .Esq'.  [    Select-Men. 

Cap1.  William  Salter 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant  & 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 

then  the  Inhabitants  withdrew  and  brought  in  their  Votes,  but  upon 
Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  there  was  no  choice,  Whereupon  they 
withdrew  again  and  brought  in  their  Votes  and  upon  Sorting  'em  it 
appeared  that 

Mr.  John  Gardner  was  chose 
Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was 
Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  [193.]   hereby  is 
given  to  Mr.  John  Tyng  who  served  as  a  Selectman  the  last  Year, 
for  his  faithful  Discharge  of  that  Trust. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  three  o'Clock,  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to 
Adjournment. 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  twelve  constables  distinct  from 
the  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  It  was  Voted  that  any  Person 
chose  into  the  Office  of  a  constable  for  the  Year  ensuing  shall  be 
excused  from  serving  provided  he  Pay  to  the  Town  Treasurer  the 
sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  old  tenour  Bills. 
Mess".  James  Gridley  Sworne 

Willliam  Blair  Townsend  Pay 


William  Nichols 

Sworne 

Augustus  Hail 

Sworne 

Joseph  Belknap 
John  Southack 

Paid  in  1746 
Sworne 

Benjamin  Hammet 

Excused 

George  Featherstone 

Sworne 

Timothy  Newell 
William  Pitman 

Excused 
Pay 

Stephen  Whiting 
John  West 

Pay 
Pay 

were  chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1748. 


155 


1 


}■  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 


The  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for 
the  Year  Ensuing  Viz1. 

The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
William  Tyler  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
[194.]  Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 

William  Downe  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer, 
and  upon  bringing  in  and  Sorting  the  Votes,  It  appeared  that  the 
Honoble.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  very  great  Ma- 
jority and  Sworne  into  that  Office  by  John  Steel  Esqr. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County  Treas- 
urer, which  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up  by 
constable  Feathers  tone,  to  be  by  him  returned  to  the  next  court  of 
Quarter  Sessions. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  consider  what  is  best  to  be  done  with 
their  Lands  aud  Buildings  at  the  head  of  the  Dock  formerly 
Leased  to  Mr.  John  Dolbeare  (now  deceased)  and  Thomas 
Hubbard  Esqr.  their  Term  therein  being  Expired  as  mentioned 
in  the  Warrant,  and  it  appearing  by  Papers  produced  by  Mr. 
Benjamin  Dolbeare  son  of  the  aforesaid  Mr.  John  Dolbeare 
that  his  Fathers  Term  in  the  Buildings  &  Lands  Leased  him  is  not 
yet  Expired  that  Article  in  the  Warrant  so  far  as  it  relates  to  him 
was  Dismissed,  then 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  consider 
what  is  best  for  the  Town  to  do  with  their  Buildings  and  Land  in 
Possession  of  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  and  Report  at  their  Meeting 
in  May  next. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Seven  Assessors, 
accordingly  the  Votes  were  brought  in,  and  upon  sorting  them  it 
appeared  that 

[195.]     Mess".  Nathaniel  Barber 
Jacob  Parker 
William  Fairfield 
John  Goldthwait       )■  Assessors. 
Daniel  Pecker 
Joseph  Fitch 
Thomas  Foster 
were  chosen. 

Voted  that  the  Affair  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  be  taken  into  con- 
sideration tomorrow  at  Eleven  o'Clock. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  nine  Pence  on  the  Pound  be  and  hereby 
is  allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  collect,  provided  they  Pay  unto 
the  Town  Treasurer   one  half   part  of  the    whole    sum  they  are 


I 


156  City  Document  No.   170. 

obliged  to  Pay  him  within  three  months  from  the  time  of  recieving 
the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors  and  the  other  half  part  of  the 
whole  sum  they  are  obliged  to  pa}7  him  within  three  months  from 
the  time  of  Recieving  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the 
other  half  part  in  three  months  after,  and  also  Pay  to  the  Province 
and  County  Treasurers,  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  they 
shall  be  obliged  to  pay  them  respectively  in  Six  months  from  the 
time  they  recieve  the  Books  from  the  Assessors  as  aforesaid,  and 
the  other  half  part  in  six  months  after,  and  in  case  either  of  the 
Collectors  shall  fail  Paying  the  said  Treasurers  in  the  above 
manner  the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  intitled  to  the  aforesaid 
Allowance  of  nine  pence  on  the  pound  for  Collecting,  but  wholly 
forfeit  the  same,  provided  also  that  the  said  Collectors  give  Bond 
with  sufficient  Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the 
faithful  Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  said  Office,  and  complying  with 
this  Vote. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  to  Morrow  Morning 
9  o'Clock. 

Tuesday  March  14th.  1748,  nine  o'Clock,  The  Town  met  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment. 

[196.]     Mr.  John  Gray  was  chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the 
Year  Ensuing  &  Sworn. 

Mess".  David  Colson  jun'.  j  Informers  Gf  Deer. 

Benjamin  Harrod    Sworn  ) 
were  chosen  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuiug. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Band,  was  chosen  Hayward  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

The    Selectmen  were   Chosen  Surveyors  of  Highways   for   the 

Year  Ensuing. 

Messrs.  Isaac  Vergoose  Sworn 

William  Pain  Sworn 

John  Grant  Sworn 

Thomas  Warden  Sworn 

Andrew  Symmes  Sworn  ,  Viewers  of  Boards ,  Shin- 

Edward  Moberly  f  gles  &C\ 

William  Brown  Sworn 

John  Eustus  Excus'd 

Moses  Eayres  Sworn 

Edward  Edes  Excus'd 

were  chose  Viewers  of  Boards,  Shingles  &Ca. 
Messrs.  William  More  Sworn  ") 

William  Russell  Sworn  | 

Benjamin  Russell  Sworn   I  Fence  viewers# 

James  lilestone  Sworn   j 

Onesiphorus  Tilestone  Sworn  j 
John  Indicott  Sworn  J 

were  chosen  Fence  Viewers,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Messrs.  Nathaniel  Hodgdon  Sworn.  ") 
Josiah  Carter  Sworn,    j 

John  Allen  Sworn     )■  Sealers  of  Leather. 

Thomas  Hase 

Thomas  Hartley        Sworn    J 
were  chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1748. 


157 


[197.]     Mess".  Harvey  Thomas  Sworn 
Benjamin  Ballard  Sworn 
Joseph  Dyar 
Benjamin  Sault 
John  Hobbs 
Peter  Cotta 
Thomas  Serjeant 
Joseph  Savel  junr.  Sworn 
Edward  Potter  Excused 
Edward  Cowell 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  Ensuing 


►  Cullers  of  Staves. 


Messr 


Hogreeves. 


William  Scott 
Samuel  Green 
Benjamin  Renkin 
Samuel  Emmes  j 

were  chosen  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 


Messrs.  Joseph  Edwards 
Jonathan  Payson 
John  Ridgaway 
Thomas  Greenough 
Benjamin  Ilammet 
Joseph  Gardner 


William  Cowell 
Stephen  Apthorp 
Ellis  Wilson  - 
Timothy  Winship 
Thomas  Boucher 
Ebenezer  Lowell 


}-  Scavengers. 


were  chosen  Scavengers  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Jackson  ^ 

Thomas  Savage  >■  Purchasers  of  Grain. 
Thomas  Greene  J 
were  chosen  purchasers  of  Grain,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all 
needful  Directions  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary  [198.]  respect- 
ing the  quantities  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  and  setting  the  price  thereof 
from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  require. 

MeSSr3'  DavM^utief1"  ^  }  Assa?  Masters' 
were  chosen  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Messrs.  Elisha  Dyre  Excus'd.  " 

Thomas  Newman  Sworn 

Alexander  Hill  Sworn 

Timothy  Newell  Sworn 

Thomas  Cushing  Sworn 
Oxenbridge  Thatcher  junr.  Sworn 

Samuel  Adams  Sworn        !   Clerks    of    the 
John  Edwards  I  Market 

Samuel  Edwards  Sworn 

Royal  Tyler  Excus'd 

John  Ridgaway  Sworn 

Daniel  Marsh  Sworn 

John  Dixwell  Sworn 

Thomas  Jackson  junr.  Sworn 
were  chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 


158  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mess".  David  Wheeler    Sworn      ") 
John  Langdon      Pay 
Thomas  Palfrey  Sworn       !    p  , , 

William  Lowder  Exeus'd    j 
Robert  Ford         Sworn       j 
William  Thwing  Exeus'd  J 
were  chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Mess".  Thomas  Greene  ^ 

Thomas  Oxnard 

Jeremiah  Allen  y  Committee  for  Auditing  Accots. 

Harrison  Gray 
Joshua  Winslow  Esqr.  J 
be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accompts  for  the 
Year  Ensuing  and  make  Report  as  usual,  and  that  they  also  Audit 
the  Accompts  [199.]  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting 
the  Workhouse,  and  to  attend  the  same  at  the  usual  place  of  said 
Overseers  Meeting,  and  said  Accompt  being  Audited  the  said  Com- 
mittee are  desired  to  make  Report  thereon  as  usual. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
Cap'.  John  Carnes 
Cap'.  Isaac  White 

Cap'.  Joseph  Russell     !   „•  j 

r.  lf   TT     l     ,,  y  Iirewards. 

Cap'.  Henry  Berry 

Cap'.  Joseph  Jackson 

Cap'.  James  Day 

Mr.  Robert  Breck 

Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  chosen  Firewards  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be,  and  they  hereby  are  allowed  to  sit 
upon  the  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  day  of  June  next,  saving 
that  they  have  Liberty  to  sit  the  second  Week  in  November  next, 
to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  such  persons  as  shall  appear  to  be  dead  or 
out  of  Town,  and  could  not  have  made  application  to  them  therefor 
before  the  said  first  day  of  June. 

The  Town  Enter'd  upon  the  consideration  of  that  article  in  the 
Warrant  Viz'.  What  method  is  best  to  be  taken  to  Improve  their 
Lands  &  Salt  Ponds  on  the  neck  and  after  some  Debate  thereon  It 
was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  and  Im- 
powered  to  Advertize  the  Leasing  of  said  Lands,  recieve  proposals 
concerning  the  same,  and  Report  their  Doings  herein  at  the  Town 
Meeting  in  May  next. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  they  are  Impowered  to 
fix  the  Stalls  at  the  Fish  Market  near  Scarlets  Wharffe  in  such 
places  as  they  think  proper,  provided  the  Town  be  at  no  Expence 
in  doing  the  same. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  Pounds  in  [200.]  Bills 
of  the  old  tenor  be  and  hereby  is  allowed  unto  Jeremiah  Allen 
Esqr.  in  full  for  his  Paying  the  Towns  Moneys  for  the  Cattle  pur- 
chased for  the  supply  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  recieving  the 
Money  for  Beef  Hydes,  &  Tallow,  sold  in  said  Market,  and  his 
attendance  there  on  Market  (lays,  and  other  Services  by  him  done 


Boston  Town  Records,  1748-49.  159 

at  said  Market  since  the  28th.  of  March  last,  he  Paying  such 
Persons  as  he  has  employed  to  Assist  him  therein. 

The  Question  was  put,  "Whether  the  Town  will  continue  to  Sup- 
ply Faneuil  Hall  Market  in  the  same  manner  as  they  did  the  last 
Year. 

Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  who  lent  the  Town  Money  for  the 
Supply  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  with  Provisions  the  last  Year,  be 
allowed  Interest  for  the  same  after  the  30th.  Instant  until  they  are 
paid,  and  the  Selectmen  are  desired  to  give  them  Drafts  on  the 
Treasury  payable  to  them  or  their  order  for  such  sums  as  are  due 
to  them  respectively  when  they  recieve  such  Draft. 

Voted  that  Faneuil  Hall  Market  be  continued  an  Open  Market 
under  the  Eegulation  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being,  until  the 
Town  shall  otherwise  Order. 

A  Motion  was  made  and  seconded  that  the  Town  would  proceed 
to  the  choice  of  Ty thing  men  for  the  Year  Ensuing,  but  nothing 
done  thereon. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  the  choice  of  a 
Clerk  for  Faneuil  Hall  Market  &  upon  Collecting  the  same  it 
appeared  that  Mr.  Abijah  Adams  was  chose. 

The  Selectmens  Report  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past  as  Entered  in  his  Book 
(and  on  file  in  [201.]  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  and  Voted 
that  the  said  Report  be  Accepted  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  John 
Fenno  be  further  accountable  to  the  Town  for  two  hundred  Eighty 
three  Bushels  &  an  half  of  Indian  Corn  at  23/  p  Bushel  being 
£396  ..  18  .   0  &  eight  bushels  of   Wheat   at  60/  p  bush,  being 

£24 and  for  Cash  Two  Thousand  one  hundred  &  fifty 

six  pounds  and  nine  pence,  the  whole  of  which  amounts  to  Two 
Thousand  five  hundred  and  Seventy  six  pounds,  eighteen  shillings 
&  nine  pence,  old  tenor  bills,  which  is  now  in  his  hands,  exclusive 
of  One  hundred  pounds  for  his  Salary,  and  Thirty  pounds  for 
Assistance,  both  which  sums  are  allowed  him  in  his  Accompt. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  bills  of  the  old  tenor  be 
allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  unto  Mr.  John  Fenno  Keeper 
of  the  Granary  for  his  Extraordinary  services  at  the  Year  past, 
and  also  that  the  further  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  old  tenour  Bills 
be  paid  him  for  hiring  persons  to  Assist  him  in  that  Business. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Fenno  Keeper  of  the  Granary  Praying 
for  an  Addition  to  his  Yearly  Salary  was  Read,  and  after  some 
Debate  thereon. 

Voted  that  the  same  be  continued  to  the  Town  Meeting  in  May 
next. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Tuesday  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assem- 
bled according  to  Adjournment. 

Mess".  Thomas  Allen  Pay  "^ 

John  Amelee  Excus'd  [  n  , . 

Benjamin  Gyles         Excus'd 

Cap'.  Isaac  Freeman  Appeal  to  Sessions 


160  City  Document  No.   170. 

Voted  that  no  Person  be  chose  as  a  Collector  of  Taxes  for  the 
Year  ensuing  that  has  been  heretofore  chose  into  that  Office  and 
Served  unless  he  can  produce  Reciepts  in  full  from  the  respective 
Treasurers  of  the  Town,  County,  and  Province  that  he  has  [202.] 
Paid  the  whole  sums  due  to  them  for  the  Year  1747. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Six  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year  Ensuing,  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in,  it 
Appeared  that 

Joseph  White  Esqr. 

Cap1.  Benja.  Edwards 

Mr.  William  Larrabee 

M*.  John  Ruddock  \    Collectors- 

Mr.  John  Grant 

Mr.  Hopestill  Foster         J 

were  chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

Mess".  William  Muckleroy    Sworn  }  n       ,  , , 

t  i      j-^i       i  or  vyonstjaDi.es. 

John  Clough  Sworn  j 

were  chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

The  Assessors  appointed  a  Committee  the  tenth  day  of  May 
last  to  consider  of  the  Petition  of  Joseph  White,  Benjamin 
Edwards,  and  Andrew  Cunningham  late  Collectors  of  Taxes  in 
this  Town  praying  for  an  Abatement  of  sundry  Taxes  committed 
to  them  to  Collect ;  Reported  that  they  had  attended  that  Service 
heard  the  Petitioners  and  Enquired  into  the  circumstances  of 
several  Persons  (a  List  of  whose  Names  are  on  file  &  the  Years 
they  were  Taxed)  whose  Taxes  they  Apprehend  ought  in  Justice 
to  be  Abated,  the  Petitioners,  said  Names  being  Read  over,  after 
a  short  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and 
that  the  sum  of  Seventy  eight  pounds  Eleven  shillings  bills  of  the 
old  tenour  be  allowed  and  Refunded  out  of  the  Town  Treasury 
unto  Joseph  White  Esqr.  —  the  sum  of  Fifty  five  Pounds  two  shil- 
lings bills  of  the  old  tenour  be  allowed  and  Refunded  out  of  the 
Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  Andrew  Cunningham,  and  the  sum  of 
ninety  six  pounds  five  shillings  and  nine  pence  Bills  of  the  old 
tenour  be  allowed  and  refunded  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr. 
Benjamin  Edwards,  and  the  Selectmen  are  desired  to  give  them 
Drafts  for  the  same. 

[203.]  Voted  that  all  matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfin- 
ished be  continued  to  the  Town  Meeting  in  May  next,  to  be  then 
Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto 
the  Honoble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 
Dispatching  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  ninth  day  of 
May  A.D.  1749. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Rev4.  Mr.  Jona.  Mayhew. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1749.  161 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  pro- 
posed to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a 
person  or  persons  to  serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  a  Great  and 
General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday 
the  thirty  first  day  of  May  inst.  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider  and 
Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly  it 
was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  four  Representatives,  and  it 
was  then  Declared  that  the  Poll  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to  be 
684  &  upon  sorting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentle- 
men were  chose  Viz'. 

The  Hon°.  James  Allen  Esqr 543 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr 678 

Mr.  John  Tyng 513 

The  Hon0.  Samuel  Waldo  Esqr 539 

[204.]  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  three  o'Clock 
in  the  Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon  the  Town  met  according  to 
Adjournment. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a 
written  Vote,  and  having  brought  'em  in  it  Appeared  that  the 
Honoble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  was  chose. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 
School  was  Read,  and  is  as  follows.  Viz*. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  9th.  1749. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
10th.  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  Several  Pub- 
lick  Schools  &  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  therein 
as  they  should  think  proper  and  to  Report  thereon. 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  attended  that  Service  on  Tues- 
day the  28th.  of  June  last,  Accompanyed  by  the  following  Gentn. 
Viz1. 

The  Honoble.  John  Osborne  ' 

Joseph  Wadsworth 
Ezekiel  Lewis 
Josiah  Willard 
William  Foye 
Samuel  Waldo 
Andrew  Oliver 
John  Wheelwright 
Joshua  Winslow 
William  Stoddard 
Charles  Apthorp 
John  Erving 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Prince 
Mr.  Byles 
Mr.  Gray 
Mr.  Eliot 
Mr.  Cooper 
Mr.  Peter  Chardon 
Mr.  James  Pitts 


}■  Esq" 


Select  Men 


1(32  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mr.  William  Bowdoin 

Mr.  Jerein\  Belknap 

Mr.  Jereh.  Allen 

Mr.  Joseph  Sherburne 

Mr.  Thomas  Goodwell 
and  found  the  South  Grammar  School  wherein  where  [205.]  one 
hundred  and  twenty  scholars  in  very  good  order,  the  South  "Writing 
in  the  common,  wherein  were  Two  hundred  and  seventy  scholars 
in  good  order,  the  writing  school  in  Queen  Street  of  Fifty  seven 
scholars  in  good  order,  and  the  North  Grammar  School  of  Thirty 
eight  scholars  in  good  order,  and  the  North  Writing  School  wherein 
were  Two  hundred  and  seventy  Scholars  in  good  order. 

Tho8.  Hancock         *] 

MlDDLECOTT    COOKE 

WM.  Salter 
John  Steel 
Samuel  Grant 
Tho8.  Hill 

Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year 
Ensuing,  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein  as  they  shall  think  convenient  &  Report  thereon,    also 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being,  be  and  hereby 
they  are  desired  to  Recommend  to  the  Masters  of  the  Schools  that 
they  instruct  their  Scholars  in  Reading  &  Spelling  and  the  Select- 
men are  desired  to  provide  suitable  Books  for  that  Purpose  at  the 
Charge  of  the  Town,  to  be  given  to  such  Poor  Children  as  they 
may  think  proper. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  thirteenth  of  March 
last,  to  consider  what  will  be  most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to 
do  with  the  Lands  &  Buildings  at  the  head  of  the  Town  Dock  in 
the  Possession  of  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  now  reported  as  follows 
Viz*. 

That  on  the  nineteenth  of  April  last  they  Joyned  with  Mr.  Hub- 
bard in  the  choice  of  five  Freeholders  to  Value  and  Apprize  the 
Buildings  on  said  Land  Erected  by  said  Hubbard  agreeable  to  the 
Lease  made  him  by  the  Town  who  afterwards  Viewed  said  Build- 
ings and  Agreed  that  the  Town  ought  to  Pay  Mr.  Hubbard  Twenty 
One  hundred  &  Sixty  pounds  old  tenor  in  full  for  the  Value  of 
said  Buildings  over  and  above  the  Thirty  pounds  formerly  paid 
him  for  part  of  the  Wall  on  the  North  [206.]  side  and  that 
they  said  Selectmen  on  behalf  of  the  Town  had  since  taken  Pos- 
session of  said  Lands  and  Buildings,  &  they  Apprehend  it  will  be 
most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  Pay  Mr.  Hubbard  the  said 
Sum  of  Two  Thousand  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  for  said 
Buildings. 

Which  Report  was  Read  &  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted, 
Also  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  they  are  fully 
impowered  to  Lett  or  Lease  said  Lands  and  Buildings  to 
such  Person  as  will  give  the  greatest  Rent  for  the  same  and 
advance  the  aforesaid  Sum  of  Two  Thousand  one  hundred  and 
sixty  pounds  due  to  Mr.  Hubbard  such  person  to  hold  the  premisses 


Boston   Town  Becords,  1749.  163 

until  the  sum  by  him  advauced  is  paid  him  in  his  Rent,  as  the 
same  shall  be  agreed  on  by  said  Selectmen,  and  the  Selectmen 
when  they  shall  have  so  agreed  are  desired  to  Execute  Leases 
accordingly. 

The  Town  Enter'd  into  the  consideration  of  that  Article  in  the 
Warrant  Viz1,  what  is  best  to  be  "  clone  with  the  several  Law 
suits  now  Depending  in  the  Superiour  Court  between  the  Town 
and  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  &  others  concerning  Oliver's  Dock" 
and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  Mr.  John  Tyng, 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene,  Mr.  William  Fairfield,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Belknap 
and  Mr.  William  Palfrey  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  confer  with  Mr.  Bromfield  or  any  other  persons  that  are 
Abutters  on  said  Dock,  or  pretend  any  Right  or  Interest  therein 
as  also  such  of  the  Inhabitants  as  are  Injured  by  the  filling  up  ot 
said  Dock  hear  what  proposals  may  be  made  to  them  for  an  ac- 
commodation of  said  affair,  and  Report  the  same  to  the  Town  at 
the  Adjournment  of  this  meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Grimter  of  Boston  merchant  setting 
forth,  That  the  Petitioner  being  informed  that  at  the  Building  the 
late  School  house  in  School  street  no  provision  was  made  for  a 
Cellar  under  the  said  School  he  therefore  thinking  that  so  good 
an  opportunity  [207.]  ought  not  to  be  lost  to  the  Town  in  not 
having  a  good  Cellar  under  the  said  School  which  will  preserve 
said  School  from  Rotting  made  Application  to  the  Selectmen  of 
the  Town  to  Build  a  Cellar  at  his  own  Cost  and  charge  depending  on 
the  known  honour  and  Justice  of  the  Town  to  give  him  such  a  term 
of  Years  in  said  Cellar,  as  shall  be  adequate  to  the  Expence  of 
Building  the  same  he  therefore  with  the  Approbation  of  the  Select 
men  has  Compleated  Built  and  Finished  the  said  Cellar  which  Cost 
him  Three  hundred  Sixty  eight  pounds  sixteen  shillings  old  tenour 
bills,  and  so  prayed  the  Town  will  be  pleased  to  allow  him  so  many 
Years  in  the  said  Cellar  as  may  be  a  sufficient  Recompence  for  the 

same was  Read  &  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen 

be  and  they  hereby  are  Impowered  to  give  and  Execute  a  good  Lease 
of  said  Cellar  unto  said  Thomas  Gunter,  To  hold  the  same  for 
the  Term  of  Twenty  one  Years  from  this  Day  (any  Vote  or  order 
respecting  the  Power  of  the  Selectmen  in  leasing  out  the  Towns 
Lands  notwithstanding)  which  shall  be  in  full  Satisfaction  for  the 
Expence  he  has  been  at  in  building  said  Cellar,  provided  that  he 
or  any  that  any  that  may  hold  under  him  shall  not  put  therein  any 
Pitch,  Tarr.  Oyl,  or  Combustible  Things  the  whole  Term,  and  also 
that  he  Pay  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Town  for  the  Time  being,  the 
sum  of  Five  shillings  new  Tenour  Bills  Yearly  and  every  Year 
until  the  Expiration  of  said  twenty  one  Years. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Greene,  &  Henry  Johnson  of  Boston 
Merchants,  was  Read,  Setting  forth  that  the  Gun  house  in  the 
common  stands  close  to  the  Rear  part  of  their  Lands  and  is  not 
far  distant  from  the  Dwelling  house  of  one  of  the  Petitioners  which 
makes  the  same  very  detrimental  to  them  and  greatly  Incoihodes 
their  Estates  that  the  same  may  be  removed  to  another  place, 
more  for  the  Benefit  and  Convenience  of  the  Town,  &  they  are 
are  willing  to  be  at  the  Expence  of  Removing  it  praying  the  Select 


164  City  Document  No.  170. 

Men  may  be  Impowered  to  remove  it  at  their  Expence  to  such 
place  as  they  [208.]  may  think  best  whereupon  it  was  Voted 
that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Remove  said  Gun- 
house  (at  the  Petrs.  Charge)  to  such  other  place  as  they  shall  Judge 
best. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Lovel  Master  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  was  Read,  and  there- 
upon It  was  Voted  that  the  same  Salary  he  reciev'd  the  last  Year 
Viz*.  Six  hundred  pounds  old  tenor  be  allowed  him  for  this  Year. 

Also  Voted  the  same  Salary  that  was  given  to  the  several  School- 
masters &  Ushers  of  the  Town  the  last  Year  be  continued  to  'em 
for  this  Year. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  tenth  of  May  last  to 
consider  of  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Fleet  relating  to  a  peice  of  Land 
in  Water  Street  now  Reported  that  they  had  viewed  said  Lands 
and  searched  the  Records  relating  to  it,  and  find  that  the  Town 
have  a  peice  of  Land  there  belonging  to  'em,  which  is  bounded  & 
measures  as  follows  Viz1.  Westerly  on  the  Land  of  the  heirs  of 
Mr.  Samuel  Greenleaf  &  Mr.  Jona.  Furnass  there  measuring  Thirty 
feet  six  Inches  then  Northerly  on  Water  Street  there  measuring 
Ten  feet,  Easterly,  on  said  Street  there  measuring  twenty  feet  six 
inches,  then  Southerly  on  Spring  Lane  on  a  curv'd  Line  to  the 
Bounds  first  mentioned,  which  being  Read  was  Accepted  and  there- 
upon Voted  that  the  said  Peice  of  Land  be  added  to  said  Water 
Street  for  the  use  of  the  Town  as  long  as  the  Town  shall  think 
proper,  provided  the  neighbours  or  Abutters  will  Pave  the  same. 

Mess-.  Alexander  Young  Sworn  j  Confltable8e 
Josiah  Waters        Pay       ) 
were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

[209.]  That  Article  in  the  Warrant  relating  to  the  Pavement 
of  the  Lanes  leading  to  the  church  in  Brattle  Street  was  taken  into 
consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 

It  was  Voted  that  the  Town  will  not  give  any  thing  toward 
repairing  Dassetts  Lane  it  being  the  property  of  Private  Persons, 
and  that  the  repairing  the  Pavement  of  the  other  Lanes  be  referr'd 
to  the  Selectmen  to  do  what  they  think  proper. 

The  Town  Entred  upon  the  consideration  of  that  Article  in  the 
Warrant  Viz4.  "  Whether  it  be  practicable  for  the  Inhabitants  to 
form  a  List  of  the  Valuation  of  their  Estates  agreeable  to  the  late 
Act  of  the  province  "  and  after  a  long  Debate  thereon.  It  was  Voted 
that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Friday  the  Twelfth  instant  in 
order  to  give  the  Inhabitants  time  duly  to  consider  of  this  Affair. 

And  the  Meeting  was  Adjourn'd  to  Friday  the  twelfth  instant  at 
nine  o' Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Fry  day  the  twelfth  of  May  at  9  o'Clock  in  the  Forenoon,  the 
Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  Fifty  pounds  old  tenor 
Bills  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Mr.  Abijah  Adams  in 
full  for  his  Service  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  and  for  cleans- 
ing &  Sweeping  the  same  Ringing  the  Bell  &Ca.  for  the  Year  past. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Four  hundred  and  Fifty  pounds  old  tenour 


Boston   Town  Records,  1749.  165 

Bills  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  the  Honoble.  Joseph 
Wadsworth  Esqr.  in  full  for  his  Service  as  Treasurer  for  the  Year 
past. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Thirty  six  Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor  bills  to 
be  Rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of 
Boston  for  Belief  of  the  Poor  and  defreying  other  necessary 
Charges,  arising  within  and  for  said  Town  the  Ensuing  Year. 

[210.]  The  Article  in  the  Warrant  about  taking  a  List  of  the 
Valuation  of  the  Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  which  came  under  con- 
sideration at  the  opening  of  this  meeting  and  then  largely  Debated, 
and  continued  to  this  time  was  now  again  considered  of,  and  after 
a  very  long  Debate  thereon,  It  was  unanimous!}' 

Voted  that  the  Town  judge  it  to  be  impracticable  for  the  Inhabi- 
tants to  form  a  List  of  the  Valuation  of  their  Estates  agreeable  to 
the  late  Act  of  the  Province. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Fenno  Keeper  of  the  Granary  Bead 
at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  and  continued  over  to  this  time, 
Praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  was  considered  of,  and 
thereupon  it  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  Im- 
powered  when  they  settle  Accompte  with  said  Fenno  at  the  End  of 
the  Year  to  Allow  him  the  sum  of  one  hundred  &  fifty  pounds  old 
tenor  bills  for  his  Service  the  Curr4.  Year,  or  in  proportion  for  the 
time  he  shall  continue  in  that  place. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  Impowered  to 
Lease  the  Lands  &  Buildings  late  in  Possession  of  Thomas  Hub- 
bard Esqr.  at  the  head  of  the  Dock  for  such  a  Term  over  &  above 
Seven  Years  as  they  shall  think  proper,  the  Vote  now  in  force 
notwithstanding. 

Mr.  John  Larrabee.    Pay.     Constable 
was  chosen  Constable  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted  that  all  matters  and  Things  that  now  remain  unfinished 
be  continued  over  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  to  be  then 
considered,  and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto 
the  Honoble  James  Allen  Esqr.  [211,]  the  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  for  dispatching  the  Business  thereof. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Tuesday  the  27th.  day 
of  June  next  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon  and  the  same  was  Ad- 
journ'd accordingly. 

Tuesday  June  27th.  9  oClock  in  the  Forenoon  the  Town  met 
according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  9th  of  May  last  to  Confer  with 
Mr.  Bromfield  or  any  other  persons  that  are  Abutters  on  Olivers 
Dock  or  pretend  any  Bight  or  Interest  therein  as  also  such  of  the 
Inhabitants  as  are  injur'd  by  the  filling  up  of  said  Dock,  hear  what 
proposals  may  be  made  to  them  for  an  accommodation  of  said 
affair  and  make  Report  &Ca.  now  Reported  that  they  had  met  and 
Conferr'd  with  MLr.  Edward  Bromfield  &  Christopher  Tilden  several 
times,  that  they  propose  to  the  Town  for  an  accommodation  that 
upon  the  Towns  discontinuing  their  Actions  now  depending  in  the 
Superiour  Court  against  them,  and  paying  them  their  Costs  they 


166  City  Document  No.   170. 

will  permit  the  Town  to  have  a  Watercourse  through  said  Dock, 
the  Town  maintaining  the  same,  and  also  that  the,  neighbours  who 
have  drains  thro'  the  Dock  shall  have  liberty  at  all  times  to  Repair 
'em,  paying  all  Damages  that  may  arise  thereby.  A  Question  was 
put  Whether  the  Town  will  accept  of  said  Report,  Unanimously. 

Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Voted  that  Mr.  Thomas  Greene,  Joseph  White  Esqr.  &  Mr. 
William  Fairfield  be  and  hereby  are  Added  to  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  Town  the  twelfth  day  of  May  A  D  1747  for 
bringing  forward  any  Suit  or  Suits  in  the  Law  against  any  person 
or  persons  whatsoever  that  have  made  any  Encroachments  on  the 
Towns  Lands  Situate  in  Water  Street  or  near  to  Olivers  Dock  or 
adjoyning  to  the  same  in  this  Town,  and  in  the  Name  of  the  Town 
to  Appear  in  any  of  His  Majestys  Courts  of  Record  and  pursue 
such  Suit  or  Suits  until  final  Judgment  and  Execution,  and  Act 
and  Do  [212.]  whatsoever  they  or  the  major  part  of  them  shall 
judge  necessary  to  be  done  in  and  about  the  premisses,  and  espe- 
cially if  they  see  cause  to  referr  the  several  Actions  relating  to  said 
Dock  that  are  now  depending  in  the  Superiour  Court  of  Judicature 
&Ca.  in  Boston  to  the  Determination  of  such  persons  as  shall  be 
Agreed  upon  by  the  said  Committee  and  Parties  concerned. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  14th.  of  March  last 
to  Advertize  the  Leasing  of  the  Lands  and  Salt  Ponds  on  the 
Neck,  recieve  proposals  concerning  the  same  &Ca.  Reported  that 
they  had  Advertiz'd  that  said  Lands  were  to  be  Leased,  but  that 
no  Person  would  take  a  Lease  thereof  for  Seven  Years  being  the 
Term  to  which  the  Selectmen  are  Confin'd  by  a  Vote  of  the  Town, 
and  that  they  apprehended  it  would  be  for  the  Interest  of  the 
Town  to  Enlarge  the  term  of  Years  for  which  said  Lands  are  to  be 
Leased.  Thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they 
hereby  are  fully  Authoriz'd  and  Iinpowered  to  Lease  out  said 
Lands  &  Salt  Ponds  on  the  best  Terms  they  can  and  to  such 
Person  or  Persons  as  they  shall  judge  proper,  for  any  Term  of 
Time  not  exceeding  Twenty  one  Years,  the  said  Town  Vote  of 
seven  Years  notwithstanding,  and  they  are  desired  in  the  Name 
and  Behalf  of  the  Town  to  Execute  Leases  accordingly. 

Mr.  John  Wells  was  chosen  Constable  for  the  Year  Ensuing  and 
Sworn. 

Mr.  William  White  was  chosen  Clerk  of  the  Market. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[213.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 
Public  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the 
Eighth  day  of  December  1749. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  was  Read. 

John  Phillips  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator  by  a  handy  Vote. 

The  Moderator  directed  the  Inhabitants  to  withdraw  and  bring 
in  their  Votes  for  four  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  this  present  Year, 
in  the  Room  of  four  persons  who  were  chose  into  that  Office  in 
March  last  and  refuse  to  serve,  the  Inhabitants  accordingly  with- 
drew  and   brought   in   their   Votes,  and   upon  Collecting  'em  it 


Boston  Town  Records,  1749.  167 

Appeared  there  was  Twenty  seven  Voters,  and  that  the  following 

Gentlemen  were  chose  by  a  yery  great  Majority.  Viz'. 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  ^ 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  ^  „     ,  ~  m 

mi  tt  t.  u-  T7     r    p    r    Collectors  of  Taxes 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr.  &   f 

Mr.  Edmund  Quincy  J 

the  choice  being  Declar'd  the  Moderator  inform'd  the  Inhabitants 
that  the  said  Samuel  Welles  Andrew  Oliver  &  Thomas  Hutchinson 
Esq",  were  not  Obliged  b}7  Law  to  serve  as  Collectors  of  Taxes, 
and  Mr.  Edmund  Quincy  refusing  to  serve,  the  Moderator  desired 
the  Inhabitants  to  withdraw  again  and  bring  in  their  Votes  for  four 
other  persons  as  Collectors  of  Taxes,  the  Inhabitants  immediately 
withdrew  and  brought  in  their  votes  accordingly,  and  upon  Collect- 
ing and  sorting  'em  it  appeared  that. 

Messrs.  Josiah  Quincy         "1     Excus'd 

William  Bowdoin     {    refuses  to  serve  p  ,,     , 
James  Pitts  j     refuses  to  serve 

John  Comrin  J    Excus'd 

were  chose. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Adjourn'd  to  three  o'Clock  P.  M. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Inhabitants  met. 

[214.]  Mess™.  Josiah  Quincy  and  John  Comrin  appear'd  and 
inform'd  that  within  seven  Years  past  they  had  been  chose  into 
the  Office  of  Constables,  and  so  were  not  Obliged  by  Law  to  Serve 
as  Collectors  of  Taxes,  they  were  thereupon  Excus'd  and  Mess™. 
William  Bowdoin  and  James  Pitts  declared  they  would  not  serve 
as  Collectors  of  Taxes,  Whereupon  the  Moderator  directed  the  In- 
habitants to  withdraw  and  bring  in  their  Votes,  and  upon  sorting 
'em,  it  Appeared  that 

Mess™.  Thomas  Oxnard         "j 

James  Boutineau  ^  „ 

T         w.     i  y    Collectors 

Isaac  Wmslow  ( 

Nicholas  Boyleston    J 

were  chosen,  and  they  being  inform'd  thereof  by  a  Constable  sent 

their  Answer  to  the  Moderator  that  the}'  would  not  serve  in  said  office. 

Whereupon  it  was  Moved  and  Seconded  that  this  Meeting  be 
Dismissed,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  call  another  Meet- 
ing of  the  Inhabitants  as  soon  as  may  be,  desiring  in  the  Notifica- 
tions that  the  Inhabitants  in  General  would  give  their  Attendance 
in  order  to  consult  upon  the  best  Method  that  can  be  taken  to 
choose  such  persons  for  Collectors  of  Taxes  as  will  serve,  which 
was  Voted  accordingly. 

And  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warn'd  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Eighteenth 
day  of  December  A.D.  1749. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

John  Phillips  Esq1",  was  chose  Moderator  by  a  handy  Vote. 

[215.]  The  Town  proceeded  to  consider  of  that  Article  in  the 
Warrant  Viz'.  Whether  any  Addition  shall  be  made  to  the  Allow- 


168  City  Document  No.   170. 

ance  or  Premium  Voted  in  March  last  for  collecting  of  the  Taxes 
of  this  Year  and  after  some  Debate  thereon.    Voted  in  the  Negative. 
The  Town  then  brought  in  their  Votes  for  four  Collectors  of 
Taxes  and  upon  sorting  'em  it  Appeared  that 
Mess™.  Thomas  Greene    Excus'd 

John  Spooner        refuses  to  serve 
John  Gooch  refuses  to  serve 

Jonathan  Clarke  Excus'd. 
were  chose. 

Then  a  Motion  was  made  &  seconded  by  many  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants that  the  Vote  pass'd  this  forenoon  relating  to  the  Allowance 
or  Premium  for  Collecting  of  Taxes  may  be  Reconsidered  Voted 
in  the  Affirmative  by  a  great  Majority,  then  It  was  Moved  &  Voted 
that  the  sum  of  three  pence  on  the  pound  be  &  hereby  is  Added  to 
the  nine  pence  on  the  pound  Voted  in  March  last  for  Collecting 
the  Taxes  of  this  Year,  the  Collectors  to  Pay  the  respective 
Treasurers  &  give  security  according  to  said  Vote. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjournd  to  3  oClock  P.M. 
Three  oClock  the  Inhabitants  met  &  Voted  that  this  Meeting 
be  further  Adjourn'd  to  Friday  next  10  o, Clock  A.M. 

Friday  10   o'clock  in  the   forenoon   the   Town  met  and  were 
directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  four  Collectors  which  they 
accordingly  did,  and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  Appeared  that 
Mess™.  John  Grant  "j 

Joseph  Russell  I   Collectars> 

James  Day  & 
Thomas  Downe  junr.  J 
were  chose  all  of  whom  Appeared  &  Accepted. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dimissed. 

[216.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
twelfth  day  of  March  A.D.  1749. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Thomas  Prince. 
The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  .  .  .  Read. 
Sundry  Laws.  Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  written 
Vote,  and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  James 
Alien  Esqr.  was  chosen. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  unanimously  chose  Town  Clerk  for  the 
year  ensuing  and  Sworne  to  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Duty  in 
that  Office  by  the  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esquire. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen 
and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared  that 
Thomas  Hancock  Esqr 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
John  Steel  Esqr. 

Cap*.  William  Salter       \-  Select  Men. 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill  & 
Mr.  John  Gardner 
were  Chose  by  a  very  Great  Majority. 


Boston   Town  Eecords,  1749-50.  169 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
Viz*. 

The  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  "} 

William  Tyler  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
[217.]  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield        [   Overseers  of  the 

Col0.  William  Downe  Poor. 

The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esq1. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Cap*.  Ebenr.  Storer 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
Upon    a   Motion  made   and  Seconded,  Voted  that  the  Person 
chose  into  the  Office  of  Town  Treasurer  shall  hereafter  be  Obliged 
to  give   Bonds   for  the   faithful   Discharge  of   his  Duty  in  that 
Office,  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer, 
and  the  Votes  being  accordingly  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  appeared 
that  there  was  no  Choice,  whereupon  the  Inhabitants  withdrew, 
and  brought  in  their  Votes  again,  &  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared 
that  Mr.  David  Jeffries  was  Chose,  and  he  was  accordingly  sworn 
in,  by  the  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer,  which  being  Collected,  were  according  to  Law  sealed 
up  by  Mr.  Constable  Featherstone  to  be  by  him  kept  and  returned 
to  the  next  Quarter  Sessions. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  Voted  unanimously  that  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  Given  unto  the  Honoble. 
Joseph  Waclsworth  Esqr.  late  Treasurer  of  the  Town  for  his  long 
and  faithful  Services  in  that  Office. 

Voted  that  no  Person  that  has  been  chose  into  the  Office  of  a 
Constable  within  Seven  Years  past,  shall  be  again  chose  to  that 
Office  for  the  Ensuing  year. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  three 
o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[218.]  Three  aClock  in  the  Afternoon,  The  Town  being  As- 
sembled. 

Voted,  That  twelve  Constables  be  chose,  distinct  from  the  Col- 
lectors of  Taxes. 

Voted,  that  the  Person  chose  into  the  Office  of  a  Constable  for 
the  year  ensuing,  be  Excused  from  serving  provided  he  Pay  to  the 
Town  Treasurer  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  old  tenor  bills. 

The  Selectmens  Report  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  as  Enter'd  in  his  Book 
(and  on  file  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  and  Voted  that  the 
said  Report  be  accepted,  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  Fenno  be 
further  Accountable  to  the  Town  for  four  hundred  &  thirty 
bushels  of  Indian  Corn  at  24/  p  bush1,  being  £516  .  .  .  and  67 
bushels  of  Rye  at  34/  shillings  p  bushel  being  £113,,  18  .  0  &  also 
for  Cash    £1908. .13. .7.    all   which    amounts  to  the  Sum  of  Two 


170 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Thousand  five  huudred  &  thirty  eight  pounds  Eleven  shillings  & 
Seven  pence  old  tenor  bills,  &  which  is  now  in  his  hands,  exclusive 
of  his  Salary  of  One  hundred  &  fifty  pounds,  and  for  assist- 
ance Fifty  pounds,  which  is  hereby  allowed  to  the  said  John  Fenno, 
as  p  his  Accompt. 

Henry  Bromfield Pay 

Timothy  Fitch Pay 

Ephraim  Green Sworne 

Royal  Tyler Pay 

William  Greenleafe Pay 

Francis  Archbald Pay 

John  Phillips  Junr Pay 

John  Burroughs Pay 

John  Ryder Sworn 

John  Kne  eland  Junr Pay 

Isaac  Smith Pay 

Phillip  Bennest Excus'd 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Messrs.  Robert  Trail Pay 

Thomas  Lawlor Sworn 

Tim°.  Newell Pay 

John  Erving Sworn 

James  Trench Sworn 

John  Henly Excus'd 

[219.]  John  Barker Sworn 

Abraham  Tuckerman      ....     Sworn 

Cornelius  Tileston Excus'd 

Jonathan  Greenleafe .     .  -   .     .     .     Excus'd 

Edward  Cushing Pay 

Adjourn'd  to  nine  a  Clock  tomorrow  morning. 

Tuesday,  March  13th.  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 


Messrs.  Nathaniel  Hodgdon  .  Sworn 
Josiah  Carter 

James  Dawson      .  .  Sworn 

John  Allen       .     .  .  Sworn 
Thomas  Hase 

Thomas  Hartley   .  .  Sworn 


>  Sealers  of  Leather. 


were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Messrs.  William  Moore 

Benjamin  Russell 
James  Tilestone  . 
Onesiphorus  Tilestone 
Caleb  Ray  .... 
Thomas  March     . 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 


Fence  Viewers. 


were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Messrs.  Isaac  Vergoose  . 
William  Pain  . 
Clement  Collins  . 
John  Grant 
William  Merchant 
Andrew  Symmes  . 
John  Low   . 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

Sworn 
Sworn 


Viewers   of    Boards 
Shingles  &Ca. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1749-50. 


171 


Viewers   of    Boards 
Shingles  &Ca. 

for  the  Year  en- 


Williarn  Nichols    .     .     Sworn 
Moses  Eayres .     .     .     Sworn 
John  Greenough  .     . 
John  Simpson  . 

Henry  Allen  .     .  j 

were  Chosen  Viewers  of  Boards,  Shingles,  &0 
suing. 

[2 20.]     Mess".  John  Cotton     .     .     .     Sworn 
Edward  Whittemore  .     Sworn 
Samuel  Greene      .     .     Excus'd 
John  Kilby       .     .     .     Sworn 
Pearn  Cowell    .     .     .     Sworn 
were  Chosen  Constables,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Messrs.  Sam1.  Phillips  Savage    .     .     Sworn 
Thomas  Allen       ....     Sworn 
Joseph  Palmer      ....     Sworn 
Wm.  Blair  Townsend     .     .     Sworn 

Royal  Tyler Sworn 

Samuel  Edwards       .     .     .     Sworn 
Joseph  Edwards  ....     Sworn 
Arthur  Savage     ....     Sworn 
Thomas  Newman      .     .      .     Sworn 
Timothy  Newell  ....     Sworn 
Aaron  Boardman      .     .     .     Sworn 
Thomas  Etheridge    .     .     .     Sworn 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Nathaniel  Band  ) 
Hugh  Paul  j 

were  Chosen  Hawards,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Harvey  Thomas 
Benjamin  Ballard 
Joseph  Dyer 
Benjamin  Sault 
Joseph  Savel  Junr. 
John  Hobbs      ....     Sworn 
Peter  Cotta 
Thomas  Sergeant 
Edward  Cowell      .     .     .     Sworn 
Samuel  Treat 
were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves,  for  the  Year  ensuing 
[221.]     Mess18.  "John  Brocas     ....      y 
Peter  Jenkins  Sworn 

William  Green  Sworn 

William  Todd  Sworn 

were  Chosen  Hogreeves,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Joseph  Edwards 
Benjamin  Harrod 
Edward  Winter 

Belcher  Noyes  -    Scavingers 

Nathaniel  Thwing 
David  Wheeler 
John  Potter 


Clerks  of  the 
Markets. 


Hawards. 


>■  Cullers  of  Staves. 


Hogreeves. 


172 


City  Document  No.  170. 


David  Jenkins 
David  Cutler 
Ellis  Wilson  -    tScavingeis. 

William  Baker 
Joseph  Belknap  J 
were  Chosen  Scavingers,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Thomas  Greene      ^ 

Joseph  Jackson       >■  Purchasers  of  Grain. 
Thomas  Stoddard  ) 
were  Chosen  Purchasers  of  Grain,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all  need- 
ful Directions  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quan- 
titys  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  Setting  the  Price  thereof  from  time 
to  time  as  Occasion  shall  require. 

Mess".  Thomas  Foster  jun'.    Sworn  j  masters. 

David  Cutler  Sworn   j  J 

were  Chosen  Assay-masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  John  Gray    .     .     .     Sworn  \  Surveyor  of  Hemp. 
vas  chose  Surveyor  of  Hemp,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  David  Colson      .     .     .      )    lnformers  of  Deer 
Benjamin  Harrod   Sworn   j 
were  Chosen  Informers  of  Deer,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
[222.]     Nothing  done  thereon ^Tythingmen. 
The  Selectmen  of  Boston  \  Surveyors  of  highways. 
Mess".  Henry  Newman Pay 


Robert  Rand   junr. 
Mess".  John  Phillips  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
Cap'.  John  Carnes 
Cap*.  Isaac  White 
Cap'.  Joseph  Russell 
Cap'.  Henry  Berry 
Cap4.  Joseph  Jackson 
Cap'.  James  Day 
Mr.  Robert  Breck 
Mr.  John  Scolley 
were  Chosen  Firewards,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Pay. 


i-    Firewards 


Mess".  Joseph  Russell 
James  Day 
John  Ruddock 
Thomas  Downe  junr 
Benjamin  Edwards 
John  Grant 


1 


Collectors  of  Taxes. 


were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Edmund  Quincy  Pay  )  ConstableS(     [In  in>] 

William  Rand      Pay  j  l  &     j 

Mr.  Abijah  Adams 
were  Chose  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Mark  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mr.  William  Holmes  —  Excus'd 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  twelve  pence  on  the  pound  be  and  hereby 
is  allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  year  ensu- 
ing for  all  such  sums  as  they  shall  Collect  provided  they  Pay  unto 


Boston   Town  Records,  1749-50.  173 

the  Town  Treasurer  one  half  part  of  the  whole  sum  they  are 
[228.]  Obliged  to  pay  him  within  three  Months  from  the  time 
of  receiving  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half 
part  in  three  months  after,  and  also  pay  to  the  Province  and 
Count}'  Treasurers  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  they  shall  be 
obliged  to  pay  them  respectively  in  six  months  from  the  time  they 
receive  the  Books  from  the  Assessors  as  aforesaid,  and  the  other 
half  part  in  six  months  after  ;  and  in  Case  either  of  the  said  Col- 
lectors shall  fail  paying  the  said  Treasurers  in  the  above  manner, 
the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  aforesaid  allow- 
ance of  twelve  pence  on  the  pound  for  Collecting,  but  wholly  for- 
feit the  same  provided  also  that  the  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with 
sufficient  Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faith- 
ful, Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  that  Office,  and  Complying  with 
this  Vote. 

Messrs.  Nathaniel  Barber  Sworn    "" 

William  Fairfield   Sworn 

Jacob  Parker  Sworn 

Joseph  Fitch  Sworn     \-    Assessors. 

Thomas  Foster      Sworn 

John  Winslow        Sworn 

Joseph  Bradford    Ex. 
were  Chosen  Assessors,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mr.  "William  Lowder  Sworn 
Mr.  John  Welch  Excus'd. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke  of  Boston  Gentn.  setting 
forth,  that  since  the  removal  of  the  South  Latin  School  house  from 
off  the  Towns  Ground  adjoyning  to  the  old  Burial  place  several  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  have  made  a  range  of  Tombs  on  the 
lower  side  of  said  Ground  with  a  Brick  Wall  whereby  a  small  peice 
of  Land  is  left  out  of  the  Burying  Ground  abutting  on  your  Petitr. 
which  can  be  of  no  use  to  the  Town,  but  would  be  of  some  Bene- 
fit to  him  in  order  to  make  the  backway  into  his  yard  somewhat 
more  convenient,  and  as  your  Petif.  in  order  to  straiten  and  widen 
the  passage  way  leading  into  the  Burying  place  gave  in  some  of  his 
Land  notwithstanding  it  was  before  very  narrow  [2-24.]  Just  in 
that  place,  the  Petitr.  praying  the  Town  to  take  the  same  into  their 
Consideration,  and  in  lieu  thereof  give  him  the  whole,  or  so  much 
of  said  Land  as  they  shall  think  proper  was  Read,  and  thereupon 
Voted  that  the  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq1'.  Abiel  Walley  Esqr.  & 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee 
to  Consider  of  this  Petition,  View  the  Lands  therein  mentioned 
and  Report  :it  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  what  is  proper  for 
the  Town  to  do  thereon. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  the  Sum  of 
Fifty  Pounds  new  tenor  bills  may  be  allowed  to  Christ's  Church 
for  cleaning  fitting  and  fixing  the  Clock  there,  that  the  same  for 
the  future  be  maintained  by  the  Town,  and  that  the  great  Bell 
there  be  rung  at  one  o'Clock,  now  came  under  Consideration,  and 
after  some  Debate  thereon,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the 
prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  It  pass'd  in  the  Negative,  and 
that  said  Petition  be  dismiss'd. 


174  City  Document  No.    170. 

Voted  that  the  Honblc.  John  Wheelwright  Esqr. 
Mr.  Joseph  Green  & 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Examine  and 
Adjust  the  Books  and  Accompts  of  the  Honblc.  Joseph  Wadsworth 
late  Treasurer  of  the  Town,  and  if  they  think  best,  Transferr  said 
Accompts  into  new  Books  or  take  such  other  Method  as  they  think 
proper,  and  Do  whatsoever  they  shall  Judge  necessary  for  a  final 
Settlement  of  the  Towns  Accompts  with  said  Joseph  Wadsworth 
Esqr.    and  he   is  desired  to  attend  said  Committee  from  time  to 
time,  as  occasion  shall  require.  —  And  said  Committee  are  desired 
to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  respecting  the 
Workhouse  and  Almshouse  at  the  usual  place  of  said  Overseers 
meeting,  and  when  they  have  Compleated  the  Business  aforesaid, 
are  desired  to  make  Report  thereon  to  the  Town. 

Voted  that  theHonble.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
the  Honble.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.and 

Benjamin  Prat  Esqr.  be  and  [225.] 
they  hereby  are  appointed  A  Committee  to  Revise  all  the  By-Laws 
and  Orders  pass'd  by  the  Town  that  are  now  in  force,  and  Correct 
the  same  as  they  think  proper,  they  are  also  desired  to  prepare  a 
By  Law  for  preventing  Negroes  and  Servants  purchasing  provisions 
&c.  and  also  any  other  By  Laws  that  they  may  Judge  necessary 
for  the  better  Regulation  of  the  Town,  and  make  Report  of  their 
doings  hereon  at  the  General  Town  meeting  in  May  next. 

The  Petition  of  William  Bowen  praying  that  the  Town  will  make 
him  such  an  allowance  as  they  shall  think  proper  for  the  Damages 
he  has  sustained  in  being  prosecuted  in  the  Law  by  Nathaniel 
Wardell  was  now  read  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  the  Ques- 
tion was  put,  whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  should  be  granted, 
And  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative,  and  that  said  Petition  be  dismiss'd. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson  Usher  of  the  South  Grammer 
School,  praying  that  an  additional  allowance  may  be  made  him  for 
his  Services,  and  that  an  Increase  may  be  made  to  his  Salary  for 
the  future,  was  now  read  and  after  a  short  debate  thereon,  It  was 
Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  old  tenor  bills  be  and 
hereby  is  allowed  unto  Mr.  Gibson  in  full  for  past  Services,  and 
that  the  Consideration  of  the  other  part  of  his  Petition  Viz',  for  an 
addition  to  be  made  to  his  Salary  be  referr'd  to  the  General  Town 
Meeting  in  May  next. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  allowed  to  sit 
upon  the  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  day  of  June  next  and 
no  longer,  saving  that  they  have  Liberty  to  sit  the  second  and 
third  Weeks  in  November  next  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  such  persons 
as  shall  appear  to  be  dead,  or  out  of  Town,  and  could  not  have 
made  application  to  them  therefor  before  the  said  first  day  of 
June. 

The  Memorial  of  John  Hill  Esqr.  Mr.  Samuel  Wentworth  and 
Mr.  Sutton  Byles  was  now  read,  setting  forth  that  the  Memorial- 
ists have  on  certain  Terms  hired  of  the  Selectmen  in  [226.]  Be- 
half of  the  Town,  sundry  parcels  of  the  Towns  Lands  and  Marshes 
on  Boston  Neck  for  twenty  one  Years,  which  term  they  conceive 


Boston   Town  Records,  1749-50.  175 

is  much  too  short  for  them  to  reap  Advantages  adequate  to  the 
Labour  Expence  &  Hazard  that  will  attend  a  faithful  Discharge 
of  the  Ingagements  they  are  under  to  the  Town,  and  said  Me- 
morialists being  inclined  to  Effect  their  Obligations  to  the  Town 
in  the  best  and  amplest  manner,  pray  the  Town  will  extend  the 
term  of  their  Leases  for  Ten  Years,  over  and  above  the  twenty 
one  Years  aforesaid,  and  that  the  Selectmen  may  be  directed  and 
impowered  to  give  and  Execute  Leases  to  them  for  said  ten  Years 
accordingly  which  will  the  better  enable  the  Memorialists  to 
Accomplish  their  very  large  Expensive  &  hazardous  undertaking 
and  thereupon  It  was  Moved  that  the  Leases  made  and  Executed 
by  the  Selectmen  to  the  Memorialists  bearing  date  the  first  day  of 
March  Inst',  might  be  now  read,  which  was  accordingly  done,  and 
then  the  Memorialists  being  heard,  and  the  affair  fully  Debated 
and  Considered,  It  was  Voted  that  a  further  Term  of  Ten  Years 
be,  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  said  John  Hill,  Samuel  Went- 
worth  and  Sutton  Byles  in  the  said  Lands  and  Premisses  to  them 
respectively  leas'd  by  the  Selectmen  on  the  first  of  March  instant 
they  to  hold  the  same  for  that  time  upon  the  Conditions  and  Terms 
of  the  former  Lease  ;  which  makes  their  whole  term  therein  Thirty 
one  Years  from  the  first  of  March  Instant.  Also  Voted  that  the 
Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  fully  Authorized  and  Impowered 
to  give  and  Execute  Leases  to  the  said  Memorialists  of  said  Lands 
and  Premisses,  for  said  Additional  ten  years  accordingly. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Wednesday  the  21st. 
inst.  to  three  o' Clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  same  was  Ad- 
journ'd accordingly. 

[227.]  Wednesday  the  21st.  of  March,  the  Town  met  accord- 
ing to  their  Adjournment. 

Cap'.  John  Goldthwait  was  chose  an  Assessor  for  the  Year  en- 
suing in  the  Room  of  Mr.  John  Welch  who  was  Excus'd. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  inst.  to  Consider  of  the  Peti- 
tion of  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke,  now  reported  that  they  had 
attended  that  Business,  Viewed  the  Land  mention'd  in  said  Peti- 
tion, and  that  it  is  their  Opinion  that  the  Town  allow  the  Prayer 
of  the  Petition,  that  the  Lands  therein  mentioned  be  granted  to 
Mr.  Cooke  upon  his  paying  to  the  Town  One  Hundred  and  twenty 
Pounds  bills  of  the  old  tenor.  — which  Report  being  Read,  It  was 
Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted.  —  and  that  the  said  Land  be  & 
hereby  is  granted  unto  the  said  Middlecott  Cooke  for  the  Considera- 
tion aforesaid  also  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  or  a  Major  part 
of  them  be  and  they  hereby  are  fully  Authorized  and  Impowered  in 
behalf  of  the  Town  to  Execute  unto  the  said  Middlecott  Cooke  a 
good  and  lawful  Deed  of  said  Land,  upon  his  paying  the  aforesaid 
Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  twenty  pounds. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be 
referr'd  over  to  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next  to  be  then 
considered  of  and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto 
the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  for 
transacting  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


176  City  Document  No.   170. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warn' d  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  fifteenth  day 
of  May  A.D.  1750. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Sam1.  Checkley  senr. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

[228.]     Sundry  Laws  Read. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  name  pro- 
posal to  the  Inhabitants  assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a 
person  or  persons  to  Serve  for  &  Represent  them  in  a  Great  and 
General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday 
the  thirtieth  clay  of  May  instant,  and  in  order  thereto  to  Consider 
&  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly 
it  was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives,  and 
it  was  then  declared  that  the  Poll  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  541,  and  before  they  were  Sorted,  a  Motion  was  made  by  Mr. 
Thomas  Greene  &  Seconded  by  many  of  the  Inhabitants  that  a 
Question  should  be  put  to  the  Town  "  Whether  it  is  Expected  by 
the  Inhabitants  that  the  Persons  that  shall  be  now  Chose  for 
Representatives,  Serve  in  that  place  without  being  paid  for  the 
same,  And  the  Question  shall  be  accordingly  put,  It  was  Voted  by 
a  very  great  Majority,  that  the  Town  do  not  expect  that  the 
Persons  chose  as  Representatives  receive  any  Pay.  And  then 
the  Votes  were  Sorted  and  it  thereupon  appeared  that  the  follow- 
ing Gentn.  were  chose  Viz1. 

The  Hon0.  James  Allen  Esqr.  365. 

The  Hon0.  Thos.  Hubbard  Esqr.  520. 

Mr.  John  Tyng 348. 

Mr.  Harrison  Gray 296. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  being 
Declared  by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator, 
and  upon  sorting  the  same  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  James 
Allen  Esqr.  was  chose. 

Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  three  o'Clock  in  the 
afternoon. 

Three  a'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

[229.]  The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the 
Publick  Schools,  Read  and  is  as  follows  Viz4. 

To  the  Freeholders  and   other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town   of 
Boston  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  15th.  1750. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
ninth  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  several 
publick  Schools,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein  as  they  should  think  proper,  do  now  report, 

That  on  the  28th  of  June  last,  We  attended  that  Service,  accom- 
panyed  with  the  following  Gentlemen  Viz*. 
The  Honb,e.  Jacob  Wendell  "| 

Samuel  Danforth       !   -p     re 
Andrew  Oliver  f        ^ 

Thos.  Hutchinson      J 


Boston  Town  Records,  1750.  177 

The  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall 

Mr.  William  Welsteed 

Mr.  Samuel  Mather 

Mr.  Samuel  Checkley  Juur. 

Mr.  Edmund  Quincy 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene 

Dr.  Sylvester  G-ardiner. 

and    found  that   in  the    South  Grammer  School   there  were   120 

Scholars,  in  the  South  Writing  School  278  Scholars,  in  the  Writing 

School   in    Queen   Street    72    Scholars,  in   the   North   Grammer 

School  45  Scholars,  in  the  North  Writing  School  250   Scholars 

all  in  very  good  order. 

Thomas  Hancock    ^ 

John  Steel 

William  Salter       !    0  . 
c.,.TTT.T   r<  r  Selectmen, 

Samuel  Grant 

Thomas  Hill 

John  Gardner 

Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Gentn.  the 
Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, and  that  they  Invite  such  Gentn.  to  Accompany  them  as  they 
shall  think  Convenient,  and  Report  thereon. 

The  Petition  of  Dr.  William  Rand,  praying  for  an  Abatement  of 
sundry  Taxes,  committed  to  him  to  Collect  in  the  Years  1734, 
1735,  1736  &  1737,  as  in  said  Petition  is  set  forth,  was  now 
read,  [230.]  And  thereupon  Voted  that  the  Assessors  of  the 
Town  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of 
said  Petition  here  the  Petrs.  and  report  to  the  Town  what  Taxes 
ought  to  be  Abated  him. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  praying  that 
the  Pavement  in  Wood  lane  at  the  Northerly  part  of  the  Town 
may  be  taken  up  and  laid  Anew,  was  read,  and  thereupon  it  was 
Voted  that  the  said  Pavement  be  taken  up,  and  laid  anew,  at  the 
Expeuce  of  the  Town,  the  same  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the 
Selectmen. 

The  Town  Enter'd  upon  the  Consideration  of  the  Pet0,  of  Mess". 
Joseph  White,  John  Staniford  and  William  Larrabee,  praying  thejr 
may  be  abated  the  Taxes  they  had  paid  for  Harvard  College  and 
the  Artillery  Company,  as  the  same  were  remitted  by  the  General 

Court    &ca. and   it  , was   thereupon    Voted   that   the    Taxes 

aforesaid  be  abated  the  Petitioners,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be 
and  hereby  are  desired  to  give  Drafts  on  the  Treasury  to  the 
Petit1"9  for  the  respective  Sums  they  have  paid  for  the  aforesaid 
College  and  Company. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Four  Thousand  pounds  lawful  money,  to  be 
rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  relief  of  the  Poor  &  defreying  other  necessary  Charges, 
arising  within  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  &  hereby  they  are  desired  to 
Enforce  the  Payment  of  all  such  Taxes  as  became  due,  (and  are 
still  unpaid,)  to  the  Town  before  the  Year  1748. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  lawful 


178  City  Document  No.  170. 

money,  be  allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  John  Lovel  for  his  Salary,  as 
Master  of  the  South  Grammer  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  hirn  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  Com- 
mence at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  [231.]  Pounds 
lawful  money  be  allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Peleg  Wisw,all  for  his 
Salary  as  Master  of  the  North  Grammer  School,  for  the  ensuing- 
Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due 
and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz*,  to  determine  whether  applica- 
tion shall  be  made  to  the  General  Court  to  repeal  the  Law  lately 
pass'd  laying  a  Duty  on  Tea,  Coffee,  Coaches,  Chaises  &ca.  or 
what  may  be  proper  to  be  done  concerning  it,  was  taken  into 
Consideration  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that 

Abiel  Walley  Esqr. 
The  Hon0.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 
Charles  Apthorp  Esqr. 
Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  & 
Mr.  John  Smith,  be  and  they  hereby  are 
Impowered  and   desired  to  prepare  the  Draft  of  a   Memorial  to 
to  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly,  praying  them  to 
repeal  said  Law,  and  if  this  cannot  be  obtained,  that  the  same 
may  be  so  far  alter'd,  as  that  the  Town  of  Boston  may  receive 
the  Benefit  of  the  Duties  arising  on  the  several  Commodities  men- 
tioned in  said  Law  and  on  Coaches,  Chaises  &ca.  that  are  paid  by 

the  Inhabitants  of  Boston, and  said  Committee  are  desired  to 

make  report  of  such  Draft  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  relating  to  the  removing  the  Powder 
house  in  the  Common,  came  under  Consideration,  but  the  Town 
will  do  nothing  concerning  it. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds,  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  Mr.  Robert  Treat  Paine,  for  his  Salary,  as  Usher 
of  the  South  Grammer  School,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  sam©  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence 
from  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  lawful  money,  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as 
Master  of  the  South  Writing  School  in  the  Common,  for  the  ensu- 
ing Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly,  as  it  shall  become 
due,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

[232.]  Voted  that  the  sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks  for  his 
Salary  as  Master  of  the  North  Writing  School,  for  the  ensuing 
Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and 
to  commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  Eighty  pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  out  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of 
the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  for  the  ensuing  year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the 


Boston   Town  Records,  1750.  179 

South  Writing  School  in  the  Common  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Com- 
mence at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  John  Procter  junr.  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the 
North  Writing  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  a  Sum  not  exceeding  Fifteen  pounds  lawful  money 
be  allowed  for  repairing  the  North  Battery  and  that  John  Steele 
Esq1".  Captain  of  said  Battery,  take  care  that  the  same  be  repaired 
accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  praying  that 
further  Provision  may  be  made  for  the  Education  and  Instruction 
of  the  Children  in  Writing,  more  especially  those  that  live  at  the 
South  part  of  the  Town,  either  by  Enlarging  the  Writing  School 
in  Queen  street  or  otherwise  as  the  Town  shall  think  proper. 
Read  and  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  Messrs.  Jeremiah  Belknap 
[233.]  Zachariah  Johonnot  and  Thomas  Foster  be  and  they 
hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  this  Petition, 
and  they  are  desired  to  View  the  School  house  in  Queen  street 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke,  and  see  if  it  can  be  En- 
larged, and  in  what  manner,  or  what  else  they  may  Judge  proper 
to  be  done  for  the  Relief  of  the  Petitioners  and  Report  hereon  at 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  Warrant  viz',  what  Method  is  best  to  be  taken  to  Secure  their 
Marsh  Lands  at  the  bottom  of  the  Common,  &  whether  they  will 
Lease  out  the  same,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted 
that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  desired  .&  Empowered  to 
Advertize  in  the  publick  prints  that  said  Lands  are  to  be  leased, 
and  receive  proposals  concerning  the  same,  and  Report  thereon, 
to  the  Town. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Friday  the  25th.  inst. 
at  three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Friday  the  25th.  May,  three  o'Clock,  the  Town  mett. 

A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded  by  many  that  this  Meeting 
be  immediately  Adjourn'd  to  further  day,  and  it  was  thereupon 
Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  5th.  of  June 
next  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  and  the  same  was  Ad- 
journed to  that  time  accordingly. 

June  5th.  1750.  Tuesday  three  o'Clock  P.M.  the  Town  mett 
according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  15th.  day  of  May  last  to  Consider 
of  the  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  further  Pro- 
vision may  be  made  for  the  Education  &  Instruction  of  Children 
in  Writing,  as  is  therein  fully  set  forth,  now  made  Report,  that 
they  had  attended  that  Service  and  found  that  there  is  Room  on 
the  Towns  Land  to  Enlarge  the  School  house  in  Queen  street,  at 
the  Southerly  End  about  Twenty  two  feet  in  length,  and  about 
Eighteen  feet  in  wedth,  and  that  it  was  their  Opinion  that  said 
School  will  then  Accommodate  about  One  hundred  and  sixty  or 


180  City  Document  No.   170. 

seventy  Scholars,  whereas  it  will  now  [234.]  Accommodate 
but  about  Eighty  or  Ninet}r,  and  if  the  Town  sees  cause  to 
comply  therewith,  they  Judge  it  will  answer  the  prayer  of  the 
Petitioners." — which  Report  being  read,  and  a  short  Debate  had 
thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted,  and  also  that 
the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  Impowered  and  desired  to 
Enlarge  said  School  in  Queen  street,  as  soon  as  majT  be,  and  that 
they  Extend  such  Enlargement  as  far  beyond  the  Towns  land  into 
the  street  as  may  be  without  any  Inconvenience  to  said  street. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  15th.  of  May  last,  to  prepare  the 
Draft  of  a  Memorial  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Asseinbby, 
praying  them  to  repeal  the  Law  lately  pass'd  by  said  Court,  laying 
a  Duty  on  Tea,  Coffee,  Arrack  snuff  and  China  Ware,  and  also  on 
Coaches,  Chaises  &ca.  now  made  Report  of  a  Memorial  they  had 
prepar'd  which  is  in  the  following  words  Viz'. 

To  the  Honourable  Spencer  Phips  Esqr.  Lieu'.  Governour  and 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
the  Honourable  the  Council  and  House  of  Representatives  in  Gen- 
eral Court  Assembled  May  30th.  1750. 

The  Memorial  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  readily  &  chearfully  acknow- 
ledge their  Confidence  in  the  Wisdom  Justice  &  Goodness  of  the 
Great  and  General  Court,  and  obligation  to  submit  and  pay  obedi- 
ence to  their  Acts,  nevertheless  they  humbly  beg  leave  to  represent 
some  of  the  great  Difflcultys  they  apprehend,  attending  and  con- 
sequent upon  the  Tempory  Act  pass'd  in  the  last  Sessions  of  the 
late  General  Assembly,  Entitled  an  Act  for  Granting  to  his  Majesty, 
an  Excise  upon  sundry  Articles  hereafter  Enumerated,  for  and  to- 
wards the  support  of  his  Majesty's  Government  of  this  Province. 

Whereupon  they  pa}-  liberty  humbly  to  observe,  That  as  Trade 
and  Commerce  are  the  great  Business  and  support  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  and  almost  the  only  means  to  enable  them  to  pa}-  between 
a  fifth  &  a  sixth  part  of  the  Charge  of  the  whole  Province,  if  their 
[235.]  Trade  sho'd  fail,  it  is  not  possible  they  should  pay  any 
such  proportion  of  the  publick  Expence,  and  that  Trade  is  in  a 
very  languishing  Condition,  and  almost  ready  to  leave  them,  is 
very  apparent  from  the  almost  Constant  bad  Voyages  made,  even 
when  the  Ships  and  other  Vessels  go  and  come  in  Safety,  to  add 
a  further  weight  and  burthen  to  that  which  is  almost  ready  to  sink 
with  its  former  Difficulties,  affects  the  Town  very  much  iu  this 
Critical  Conjuncture,  when  there  is  a  profess'd  design  of  some  in 
the  Neighbouring  Governments,  to  strip  them  as  far  as  possible  of 
the  trade  they  have  had  from  their  Foundation. 

The  Town  would  further  humbly  observe,  that  the  Business  of 
retailing  Tea,  Coffee  &c.  is  mainly  carried  on  by  Widows  and 
persons  in  low  Circumstances,  who  generally,  very  hardly  get  a 
poor  subsistance  and  sho'd  this  Act  continue  and  take  place,  there 
will  be  danger  of  their  becoming  a  Charge  and  burthen  to  the 
Town. 

The  Town  begs  leave  further  humbly  to  suggest  to  your  Honours, 
whether  this  Act  may  not  bring  on  the  displeasure  of  those  two 
great  and  powerful  Corporations  the  East  India  &  Turkey  Com- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1750.  181 

panys  in  our  mother  Country,  &  whether  the  little  profit  which 
may  arise  by  this  Act  is  not  much  over  balanc'd  by  the  Risque  of 
their  Resentment. 

The  Town  are  also  much  affected,  with  the  danger  of  multiply- 
ing Excises,  which  if  made  effectual,  will  probably  bring  on  a 
multiplication  of  Officers  with  very  large  &  arbitary  power,  how 
Consistent  these  things  will  be  (sho'd  they  come  to  pass)  with  the 
natural  Rights  and  Libertys  of  Mankind  and  especially  of  English- 
men, has  been  abundantly  discuss'd  and  very  clearly  evidenc'd  in 
our  mother  Country  on  a  late  famous  occasion. 

They  are  moreover  very  apprehensive,  that  these  Excises  will 
dispose  many  among  us  to  remove  into  the  Neighbouring  Govern- 
ments, where  they  may  trade  upon  and  improve  these  Commodities 
without  Duties,  and  it  is  very  probable  that  many  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants of  this  Province  will  mainly  supply  themselves  from  the  Re- 
tailers of  those  Articles,  who  dwell  in  the  other  Governments,  in 
which  case  the  profit  of  selling  them,  will  go  out  of  the  Province 
and  nothing  at  all  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  here,  &  whether  when 
these  Retailers  of  Tea  &crg.  can  with  such  superiour  and  apparent 
advantage  trade  in  these  things  out  of  [236.]  The  Province  and 
supply  us,  they  will  not  be  tempted  to  Sell  and  our  people  to  buy 
of  them,  other  Commodities  also,  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province 
are  under  some  natural  &  almost  inevitable  difficulties,  by  their 
being  a  barrier  to  his  Majestys  Subjects  and  Interest  in  North 
America,  which  has  greatly  increased  the  Taxes  of  this  Town,  as 
they  pay  so  large  a  proportion  as  has  been  mentioned,  and  thinn'd 
their  numbers,  both  by  the  Wars,  and  the  removal  of  diverse  of 
our  people  to  the  Southern  Governments,  the  Town  humbly  begs 
leave  to  enquire,  whether  it  would  not  greatly  discourage  any,  even 
the  Richest  County  in  England,  if  a  considerable  Duty  should  be 
laid  on  their  Consumption,  when  nothing  at  all  was  paid  by  their 
fellow  subjects  all  round  them. 

The  Town  are  also  much  Concerned  that  there  should  be  laid 
by  this  Act,  such  a  duty  on  Coaches,  Chariots,  Chaises  &ca.  this 
will  fall  principally  on  Boston  which  by  your  Honours  Judgment, 
paid  their  proportion  before,  between  a  fifth  and  a  sixth  part  of 
the  Charge  of  the  whole  Province,  but  in  this,  they  will  pay  much 
more  than  all  the  Province  beside. 

Wherefore  as  well  as  for  many  other  reasons  your  Memorialists 
humbly  pray  your  Honours  to  repeal  the  above  mentioned  Act,  or 
allow  the  Duties  paid  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston  to  be  paid  into 
the  Town  Treasury  for  the  Town's  use,  or  grant  such  other  Relief 
as  to  your  Honours  known  wisdom  and  Justice,  and  paternal  care 
and  goodness  shall  meet  and  suitable  to  the  declining  and  distress't 
state  of  this  sinking  Town. 

Which  being  Read  and  Debated  upon,  It  was  Voted  that  the 
same  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  de- 
sired to  prepair  a  fair  Copy  of  said  Memorial,  Sign  the  same  in 
behalf  of  the  Town  and  present  it  to  said  General  Court,  at  then- 
next  Sessions. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Friday  the  29th. 
instant  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 


182  City  Document  No.   170. 

Friday  the  29th  of  June  1750,  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the 
Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

[237.]  Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  pounds  lawful  money 
be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Abijah 
Adams  in  full  for  his  Service,  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market, 
for  the  year  past. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  the  late 
Town  Treasurer  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  now  made  Report  as 
follows  viz*,  that  they  had  attended  that  Service,  and  find  the 
several  Draughts  made  on  him  by  the  Selectmen  and  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  are  right  cast  and  well  vouch' d,  and  that  there  is  re- 
maining unpaid  of  the  several  Draughts  on  him  Twelve  thousand 
three  hundred  and  ten  pounds,  seventeen  shillings  and  nine  pence 
old  tenor,  which  the  new  Treasurer  Mr.  Jeffries  is  to  pay  b}r 
virtue  of  the  Orders  given  by  the  Selectmen  and  Overseers  of  the 
poor  to  the  late  Treasurer,  said  Committee  also  find  that  the 
Hon0.  John  Wheelwright  Esqr.  has  Setled  and  Transferred  the 
Several  Ballances  from  the  late  Treasurer  Wadsworths  books,  into 
a  Sett  of  new  Books  for  Mr.  Jeffries  ;  who  was  lately  chosen 
Treasurer  for  the  Town  of  Boston  :  and  also  that  there  is  remain- 
ing due  from  the  said  Wadsworth  unto  the  Town  of  Boston  Eight 
hundred  Seventy  seven  Pounds  and  five  pence  old  tenor,  except- 
ing what  may  be  granted  him  for  his  Service  the  Year  past. 

which  Report  being  Read,  It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted, 

And  it   appearing   by   the  Accompts  of  the    late  Treasurer 

Wadsworth  that  the  sum  of  Six  hundred  and  Sixty  six  pounds 
thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  bills  of  the  new  tenor 
granted  by  the  General  Court  in  the  Year  1742  for  Compleating 
the  North  Battery  and  purchasing  Stores  &ca.  which  was  put 
into  Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworths  hands  by  order  of  the  Town,  to 
be  by  him  kept  until  it  was  drawn  out  for  that  use,  had  been  ap- 
plyed  by  him  for  payment  of  the  Towns  Debts,  which  he  ought 
not  to  have  done.  In  order  therefore  to  replace  the  said  Sum  for 
the  use  afoi*esaid,  It  was  Voted  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  &  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  replace  the  said  Sum  of  Six  hundred  and 
Sixty  six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  in  the  Town 
Treasury  again,  for  the  use  aforesaid,  as  soon  as  he  conveniently 
can,  out  of  the  moneys  he  shall  receive  belonging  to  the  Town, 
and  that  he  always  keep  the  same  distinct  and  seperate  from  the 
Towns  other  money,  in  order  that  it  may  be  applied  for  paying 
theExpence  of  Compleating  the  said  North  Battery,  &  purchaseing 
Stores  &ca.  for  the  same,  agreeable  to  the  Design  of  the  General 
Courts  Grant,  and  that  the  Treasurer  when  he  shall  have  so  re- 
placed said  Sum,  do  not  apply  it  to  any  other  use  whatever, 
[238.]  Without  particular  directions  from  the  Town. 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Gentlemen  the  Committee  aforesaid  for  their  great  pains  and 
care  in  Auditing  the  Accompts  of  the  late  Treasurer  Wadsworth. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Honble.  John  Wheelwright  Esqr.  for  his  great  Pains,  Care  and 
Labour  in  Settling  the  Accompts  of  the  late  Treasurer  Wads- 
worth and  transferring  them  into  new  Books. 


Boston   Town  Records,  1750.  183 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and 
four  pence  lawful  money  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury  unto  the  Honble.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr.  late  Treasurer 
of  the  Town  in  full  for  his  Salary  for  the  year  past  as  also  for 
the  Expences  in  his  Office  and  all  other  Services  he  has  hereto- 
fore done  for  the  Town. 

The  Town  having  at  their  last  Meeting  agreed  upon  a  Memorial  » 
to  be  presented  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly 
praying  that  they  would  be  pleas'd  to  repeal  an  Act  they  lately 
pass'd  laying  a  Duty  on  Tea  Coffee,  Snuff,  Arrack  and  China 
Ware,  and  on  Coaches  Chariots  Chaises  &ca.  for  the  reasons  in 
said  memorial  mentioned,  and  Voted  that  the  same  be  presented 

by   the    Selectmen    accordingly. The    said    Selectmen    now 

inform'd  the  Town  that  they  presented  said  Memorial  to  the 
General  Court  at  their  present  Sessions,  but  that  the  same  was 

Dismiss'd   by   said  Court. Whereupon  the   Town   proceeded 

to  Consider  of  that  other  Article  in  the  Warrant  relating  to  said 
Act  viz*,  what  may  be  thought  proper  for  the  Town  now  to  do 
concerning  it,  And  after  a  long  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that, 
the  Town  will  make  application  at  home,  in  order  to  prevent 
said   Acts   being   Confirm'd   by   His   Majesty,  Also    Voted   that 

Abiel  Walley  Esqr. 
The  Hon0.  Sam1.  Welles  Esqr. 

Charles  Apthorp  Esqr. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 

Mr.  John  Smith 

Benjamin  Pratt  Esqr.  & 

Mr.  Benjamin  Kent 
[239.]  Be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee,  to  Con- 
sider of  the  best  Method  the  Town  can  take  to  prevent  said  Acts 
being  Confirm'd  at  home,  either  by  presenting  a  humble  petition 
to  His  Majesty,  or  taking  such  other  Steps  as  they  shall  Judge 
best,  and  said  Committee  are  desired  to  prepare  whatsoever  they 
may  think  necessary  for  Effecting  the  same,  and  make  Report  of 
their  doings  hereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted  that  Mr.  David  Jeffries  Treasurer  of  the  Town  be  and  he 
hereby  is  desired  and  fully  Impowered  to  borrow  upon  Interest  of 
any  person  or  persons  a  Sum  not  exceeding  the  Sum  of  two  hun- 
dred and  Fifty  pounds  lawful  money,  for  the  present  supply  & 
Relief  of  the  Almshouse,  and  give  his  Bond  or  Bonds  as  a  Security 
for  the  payment  of  the  same  with  the  Interest  thereof  which  Bond 
or  Bonds  the  Town  do  hereby  promise  and  Engage  to  discharge 
when  the  same  shall  become  due. 

Voted  that  Mr.  David  Jeffries  Town  Treasurer  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  to  put  in  Suit  at  the  Inferiour  Court  to  be  held  at 
Boston  in  October  next  the  Bonds  that  were  given  to  the  late 
Treasurer  Wadsworth  by  the  several  Collectors  of  Taxes  that  have 
not  paid  in  all  such  Taxes,  as  were  Committed  to  them  to  Collect 
for  the  Year  1 748  or  any  time  before. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  of  the  Petition  of  D1. 
William  Rand,  praying  for  an  Abatement  of  Sundry  Taxes  com- 
mitted to  him  to  Collect  in  the  Years  1734.   1735.   1736  &  1737. 


184  Crrr  Document  No.   170. 

now  made  Report  thereon  (as  on  file)  and  the  same  being  read  a 
Question  was  put  whether  said  Report  be  accepted,  and  it  pass'd 
in  the  Negative,  and  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  said  Petition  be 
dismiss'd. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  proceed  forthwith  in  making  the  Taxes 
of  the  present  year. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Friday  the  6th.  of  July 
next,  three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Friday  the  6th.  of  July  1750,  three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon,  the 
Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

["240. ]  The  Committee  appointed  the  29th.  of  June  last,  to 
Consider  of  the  best  Method  the  Town  can  take  to  prevent  an  Act 
lately  pass'd  the  Great  and  General  Court,  laying  a  Duty  on  Tea 
Coffee  Arrack  Snuff  and  China  Ware,  and  on  Coaches  Chariots 
Chaises  &ca.  being  Confirmed  at  home,  now  reported  "  that  the}' 
had  mett  and  maturely  considered  the  Affair,  and  were  of  Opinion, 
the  best  method  the  Town  can  take  in  order  to  prevent  the  afore- 
said Act  being  Confirm'd  is,  that  the  Town  should  desire  some  of 
the  Principal  Gentlemen  here  to  write  to  their  Freinds  in  London 
to  Use  their  Interest  to  procure  the  Disallowance  of  said  Act " 

And   after   a   long   Debate   thereon,    a   Question    was    put, 

Whether  said  Report  be  accepted,  and  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative, 
but  soon  after  upon  a  motion  made  and  Seconded,  a  Question  was 
put,  Whether  the  Town  will  Reconsider  their  Vote  last  pass'd,  and 
it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative.  And  then  a  Question  was  put, 
Whether  said  Report  shall  be  accepted,  And  it  was  thereupon 
Voted  that  said  Report  be  Accepted  with  the  following  Amend- 
ment, viz1,  that  an  Agent  be  also  Chose  by  the  Town  to  appear  in 
their  behalf  at  home  in  order  to  prevent  said  Acts  being  Confirm'd 
by  His  Majesty,  and  that  he  be  properly  Instructed  by  a  Commit- 
tee, to  be  chose  by  the  Town,  as  to  his  Conducting  this  Affair. 

Voted  that  the  Town  immediately  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  an 
Agent  accordingly.  —  And  the  Votes  being  brought  and  Sorted,  it 
appeared   that   Christopher   Kilby    Esqr.    of   London  was  chose. 

Then 

Voted  that,  Abiel  Walley  Esqr. 

The  Hon0.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 

Charles  Apthorp  Esqr. 
Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
Mr.  John  Smith 
Benjamin  Pratt  Esqr.   & 
Mr.  Benjamin  Kent, 
be  a  Committee  to  draw  up  Instructions  for  the  Conduct  of  Mr. 
Agent  Kilby  accordingly,  and  they  are  desired  to  forward  the  same 
to  him  as  soon  as  may  be. 

[241.]  Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the 
Honourable  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 
managing  &  Dispatching  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  th? 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned,  in  publick 


Boston   Town  Records,  1750-51.  185 

Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  seventh 
day  of  January  Anno  Dom. 1750. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     ....     Read. 

Sundry  Laws  Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  the  Moderator  (by  a 
written  Vote)  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  John 
Phillips  Esqr.  was  unauirnously  chose  Moderator. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider  of  the  Business  mention'd 
in  the  "Warrant  viz',  whether  they  will  preferr  a  Petition  to  the 
Great  and  General  Court  at  their  next  Sessions,  praying  the  Town 
may  be  Exempted  from  paying  any  greater  or  other  part  of  the 
Expence  for  rebuilding  the  Court  house  in  Boston,  than  their  pro- 
portion thereof,  that  is  included  in  the  province  &  County  Tax. 

and  after  some  Debate  thereon A  Question  was  put,  and  it 

was  unanimously  Voted  that  the  Town  do  preferr  a  Petition  to  the 
General  Court  at  their  next  Sessions  for  the  purposes  aforesaid 
accordingly. Also 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  said  Petition,  and  report  the 
same  to  the  Town  for  their  acceptance,  at  the  Adjournment  of  this 
Meeting. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  9th. 
instant,  three  o'Clock  P.M. 

[242.]  January  9th.  1750.  Wednesday  3  o'Clock  P.M.  the 
Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  7tK.  instant  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a 
Petition  to  be  presented  to  the  General  Court,  now  reported  the 
same  in  the  words  following  Viz'. 

Province  of   the  .      )  To  the  Hon°.  Spencer  Phips  Esqr.   Lieut. 

Massachusetts  Bay      )  Govr.   &  Commander  in  Chief,  the  Honble. 

the   Council   and   Repves.   of  the   Province 

aforesaid  in  General  Court  Assembled  the 

ninth  day  of  January  1750. 

The  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  in  Town 
Meeting  regularly  Assembled  January  7th.  1750. 
Most  Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  your  humble  Petitioners  have  been  inform'd  that  by  a  Vote 
of  the  Great  &  General  Court  in  the  Year  1747  It  was  Ordered 
that  the  Court  house  in  Boston  should  be  rebuilt,  and  that  the 
charge  thereof  should  be  born  one  half,  by  the  Province,  one 
Quarter  part  by  the  County  of  Suffolk  and  one  Quarter  by  the 
Town  of  Boston,  and  that  by  a  Vote  of  the  Honble.  house  of  RepTes. 
pass'd  the  present  Year,  it  was  Ordered  that  the  aforesaid  Vote 
pass'd  in  1747,  sho'd  be  carried  into  Execution,  and  that  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  Boston  should  be  assess'd  accordingly, 
but  the  Vote  of  the  Honble.  House  was  not  passed  by  the  Honble. 
Board.  —  As  your  Petit",  humbly  Apprehend  that  they  would  be 
greatly  aggreiv'd  and  Injur'd  if  the  Vote  of  the  Honble.  Court  in 
1747  sho'd  ever  be  pursued  to  Effect,  they  beg  leave  to  make  a 
short  Representation  of  their  Case  to  your  Honours,  and  to  lay 
before  you  their  Exceptions  against  the  said  Vote. 

And  your  Memorialist   accordingly  Represent   that   it  appears 


186  City  Document  No.  170. 

probable  from  the  ancient  Records  of  the  Town  that  about  the 
Year  1657  a  House  was  built  on  the  Towns  Land  for  the  immediate 
Use  and  Service  of  the  Town,  &  that  the   [243.]  Charge  thereof 

was  born  b}r  a    Subscription    of   the   Inhabitants. It  further 

appears  from  the  Province  Law  made  in  the  Year  1693.  that  the 
said  House  had  some  time  before  been  made  use  of  both  by  the 
Province  and  County  as  well  as  by  the  Town,  and  it  was  therefore 
by  the  then  General  Court  thought  reasonable  and  determin'd 
that  the  Charge  of  repairing  the  same  should  be  born,  one  half  by 
the  Province,  one  quarter  by  the  County  of  Suffolk  and  one  quarter 

by  the  Town. In  the  Year  1711,  by  the  Providence  of  God  the 

said  House  was  Consumed  by  Fire  Soon  after  which  the  General 
Court  were  pleas'd  in  their  Wisdom  to  appoint  a  Committee  to 
Conferr  with  the  Town  upon  proposals  made  for  rebuilding  said 
House,  and  upon  the  Proportion  which  the  Town  should  bear  of 
the  Charge  thereof.  The  Town  being  then  destitute  of  any  House 
for  publick  Meetings,  and  other  publick  uses,  agreed  to  the  pro- 
posals made  by  the  General  Court,  with  some  Amendment  or 
Alteration,  and  Expressed  their  Consent  by  a  Vote  at  a  General 
Town  Meeting,  and  then  appointed  two  of  their  own  Inhabitants 
viz4.  Thomas  Brattle  Esqr.  and  Mr.  William  Payne  to  join  with  the 
Committee  of  the  General  Court  in  carrying  on  the  work  ;  and 
certain  parts  of  said  house  were  destin'd  and  appropriated  to  the 
Immediate  use  of  the  Town  ;  and  the  Town  continued  to  Improve 
the  same  until  October  1742. when  Peter  Faneuil  Esq1,  gen- 
erously caused  to  be  Erected,  at  his  own  Charge  a  commodious 
Building  for  the  publick  Use  and  Service  of  the  Town,  to  which  all 
the  Papers  and  Records  of  the  Town  were  soon  after  remov'd,  & 
where  all  publick  Meetings  have  ever  since  been  held.  And  those 
Rooms  in  the  Townhouse  which  had  been  appropriated  to  the  im- 
mediate use  and  Service  of  the  Town  were  then  Improved  for  the 
Service  of  the  General  Court,  and  the  Town  have  ever  since  been 
wholly  Excluded  from  any  benefit  thereof,  except  by  the  Rents  of 
the  Cellars  only,  till  it  was  last  Consumed,  and  had  it  continued 
in  the  state  it  was  in  the  Town  would  probably  before  this  time 
have  applied  to  your  Honours  tofcave  freed  them  from  their  propor- 
tion of  Charge  they  had  before  paid  towards  the  constant  Repairs 
thereof,  But  it  pleas'd  God  in  his  providence  in  the  month  of 
December  1747.  to  Suffer  the  Townhouse  to  be  again  Consumed 
by  Fire,  and  this  while  in  the  immediate  use  and  Service  of  the 
General  Court.  Soon  after  which  a  Committee  of  the  General 
Court  conferr'd  with  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  concerning  the 
Disposition  of  the  Inhabitants  as  to  their  part  of  the  Charge  of  re- 
building the  same,  but  the  Selectmen  then  did  [244.]  Not  and 
declared  to  said  Committee  that  they  could  not  give  any  Encour- 
agement that  the  Town  would  consent  to  any  greater  part  thereof 
than  their  proportion  of  the  Province  Tax ;  and  had  the  Honble. 
Court  been  pleas'd  to  make  their  proposals  to  the  Town  as  was 
done  by  the  General  Court  in  1712.  the  Town  would  undoubtedly 
have  declin'd  a  Complyance  therewith. 

Now  your  Petitioners  humbly  hope,  that  when  this  their  Case  is 
Considered   in    all   its    Circumstances,  your  Honours  will   Judge 


Boston   Town  Records,  1750-51.  187 

favourably  concerning  it,  they  humbly  Conceive  that  if  the  Town 
had  not  been  provided  with  another  House,  the  Compelling  them 
to  Rebuild  &  Improve  this,  whether  they  inclined  to  it  or  not, 
would  have  distinguished  them  from  all  the  other  Towns  in  the 
Province,  who  are  at  Libert}*  to  Erect  their  publick  Buildings  when 
and  where  they  please,  and  it  is  Evident  that  the  General  Court  in 
1712.  thought  the  Town  ought  not  to  be  compell'd,  but  that  their 
Consent  should  be  given  ;  Must  it  not  then  appear  to  your  Honours 
a  much  greater  hardship  that  the  Town  should  be  held  to  pay  more 
than  their  proportion  in  common  with  the  rest  of  the  Province  for 
the  Charge  of  building  a  House,  which  they  have  no  manner  of 
Use  and  Occasion  for  &  when  those  Rooms  the  Town  formerly  had 
in  it  for  several  years  past  have  been  and  still  are  wholly  Improved 
by  the  Province. 

Your  Memorialists  could  Enlarge  upon  the  unequal  Proportion 
they  Imagine  they  Pay  to  the  Province  Tax  upon  the  Decrease  of 
the  Polls,  Buildings  and  other  Estate  of  the  Town,  and  the  declin- 
ing State  of  their  Trade,  but  they  humbly  Apprehend  that  without 
this,  your  Honours  will  be  Indue' d  to  think  favourably  of  this  their 
Application,  and  that  you  will  not  Suffer  the  aforesaid  Vote  by 
which  they  apprehend  themselves  to  be  aggrevied,  to  take  Effect, 
or  that  you  will  otherwise  releive  them,  as  to  your  Wisdom  shall 
seem  meet. 

And  your  Petitrs.  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  pray  &ca. 

By  order  of  the  Town     .     .     . 

"Which  being  Read,  it  was  unanimously  Voted  that  the  same 
[245.]  Be  accepted,  and  that  a  fair  Copy  thereof  be  prepared 
and  Signed  by  the  Town  Clerk  in  behalf  of  the  Town  and  that  the 
Selectmen  be  and  they  are  hereby  desired  to  present  it  to  the  Great 
&  General  Court  accordingly. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  Qualified,  and  duly  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Eleventh 
day  of  March,  A.D.  1750. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  William  Welsteed. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  written 
Vote,  and  upon  Sorting  'em,  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  James 
Allen  Esqr.  was  chose. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Clerk, 
and  upon  Collecting  of  'em,  there  was  398  Votes,  and  upon  sort- 
ing 'em,  it  appeared  that  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  chosen  by  a  very 

great   Majority,  having  377  Votes. and   he  was  accordingly 

sworn  in  by  John  Steel  Esqr.  and  he  also  took  the  Oath  required 
by  the  Act  of  the  22d  of  George  the  second  relating  to  Bills  of  Credit. 

The  Petition  of  several  Inhabitants  praying  the  Town  would 
Consider  of  the  great  Expence  occasion'd  by  the  Publick  Schools, 
and  determine  whether  one  Grammer  School,  and  two  Writing 
Schools  are  not  sufficient  for  the  Education  of  the  Children  of  the 


188  City  Document  No.  170. 

Town.  —  was  Read,  and  thereupon  a  Motion  was  made  by  the 
Petitioners,  and  Seconded,  that  they  may  have  Liberty  to  withdraw 
said  Petition,  and  the  Question  being  put  It  was  Voted  in  the 
Affirmative,  and  said  Petition  was  withdrawn  accordingly. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  seven  Selectmen, 
[£46.]  And  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  appeared 
that 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
John  Steel  Esqr. 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Mr.  John  Gardner 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr.  & 
Mr.  George  Holmes,  were  chose. 
Voted  that  the  person  chose  into  the  Office  of  a  Constable  for 
the  Year  ensuing  be  excused  from  Serving  provided  he  pay  to  the 
Town  Treasurer  Three  Pounds  Lawful  Money. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treas- 
urer and  upon  viewing  'em,  it  appeared  that  Mr.  David  Jeffries  was 
unanimously  Chose  and  sworn  in  by  John  Steel  Esq1",  to  a  faithful 
Discharge  of  his  Duty  in  that  Office,  and  took  the  Oath  relating  to 

Bills  of  Credit  &ca. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  unto 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke  and  Cap4.  William  Salter,  who  for  several 
Years  past  have  Served  as  Selectmen,  for  their  many  &  faithful 
Services  done  for  the  Town  while  in  that  place. 

Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be 
and  hereby  they  are  desired  to  use  their  Endeavours  at  the  next 
Sessions  of  the  General  Court  to  get  a  Law  pass'd,  that  the  Town 
may  have  Liberty  to  choose  (if  they  see  cause)  any  greater  Num- 
ber of  Firewards,  than  the  Number  they  are  already  confin'd  to  by 
Law. 

Voted  that  twelve  Constables  be  Chose  distinct  from  the  Col- 
lectors of  Taxes. 

Messrs.  John  Watt Sworn 

John  Doane Sworn 

George  Bethune Paid 

Jona.  Simpson .     Paid  in  1743 

John  Amiel Excus'd 

Uriel  Rea Sworn 

Benja.  Harrod Excus'd 

Gilbert  Deblois Excus'd 

John  Crosley Sworn 

[247.]  Voted  that  no  person  that  has  been  chose  into  the 
Office  of  a  Constable  within  Seven  Years  past,  shall  be  again  chose 
to  that  Office  the  ensuing  Year. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  3  o'Clock  in  the  after- 
noon. 

Monday  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to 
Adjournment. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for 
the  Year  ensuing: Viz*. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1750-51.  189 

The  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
William  Tyler  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
The  Hon0.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq1. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Col0.  William  Downe 
The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Cap*.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County  Treas- 
urer, which  being  Collected,  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up  by 
Mr.  Constable  Doane  to  be  by  him  kept,  and  returned  to  the  next 
Quarter  Sessions. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Register  of 
Deeds  and  Conveyances  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  which  being 
Collected,  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up  by  Mr.  Constable 
Doane  to  be  by  him  kept,  and  returned  to  the  next  Quarter  Ses- 
sions. 

John  Hill  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Cap4.  John  Carnes 
Cap*.  Joseph  Russell 
Cap*.  Henry  Berry 
Cap*.  James  Day 
Cap*.  Joseph  Jackson 
Mr.  John  Scollay 
Majr.  Nath'l  Thwing 
Mr.  Royall  Tyler 
[248.]  The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  seven 
Assessors  and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared  that 

Mess".  Jacob  Parker Sworn 

Nath1.  Barber 
William  Fairfield 
Thomas  Foster 
John  Win  slow 

Peter  Oliver Sworn 

John  Kneeland 
were  Chosen. 

Mess".  John  White Pay 

Timothy  Prout Pay 

Alexr.  HiU Pay 

Benja.    Hammett Pay 

John  Erving  Junr. Pav 

Jontt.  Williams Pay 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  till  tomorrow  morning, 
nine  o'Clock. 

Tuesday  Morning,  9  o'Clock,  the  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

Mr.  Joseph  Curtis  \  Hay  ward. 


190 


City  Document   No.  170. 


Cullers  of  Staves. 


Hogieeves 


1 


Mess9r.  Benja.  Ballard,    Sworne 
Joseph  Dyre 
Benja.  Sault 
Joseph  Savel  Junr. 
John  Hobbs 
Peter  Cotta 
Tho8.  Serjeant 
Edward  Cowell 
Samuel  Treat 
Isaac  Fowle 
Mess".  John  Roger        Sworn  ^ 
Isaac  Vergoose  Sworn   ! 
James  Barnard  Junr.      ( 
John  Lee  Blacksmith     J 
[249.]  Messrs.  William  Maccarty 
Joseph  Edwards 
Belcher  Noyes 
Daniel  Pecker 
Jonathan  Payson 
Robert  Ford 
William   Pritchard 
John  Potter 
Daniel  Jones 
Jabez  Hunt 
William  Torrey 
Benf.  Fitch 
Messrs.  Thomas  Greene  1 

Joseph  Jackson    V  Purchasers  of  Grain. 
John  Scollay        ) 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  impowered  to  give  all  need- 
ful Directions  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quan- 
titys  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  and  setting  the  price  thereof  from  time 
to  time,  as  Occasion  shall  require. 

Mess".  Thomas  Foster  junr.  )  A        masters. 

David  Cutler  )  J 

Mr.  John  Gray    Sworn  \  Surveyor  of  Hemp. 
Mess-.  David  Collson  )  Informer8  of  Deer. 
Beuj:  Harrod  j 
The  Selectmen  of  Boston,  Sworn  \  Surveyor  of  Highways. 
Nothing  done  thereon  \  Tythingmen 
Mess".  Nathaniel  Hodgdon 
Josiah  Carter 
John  Allen 
Thomas  Hartley 
James  Dawson 

Thomas  Hase Sworn 

Sealers  of  Leather.     [In  margin] 
[350.]     Messrs.  Benf.  Russell 

James  Tileston Sworn 

Onesiphorus  Tileston  .     .     .     Sworn 
Thomas  March 


)-  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


Boston   Town  Records,   1750-51 


191 


Clerks  of  the 
Market. 


William  Moore Sworn 

Caleb  Ray Sworn 

Fence  Viewers.      [In  margin] 
Messrs.  William  Nichols 

Henry  Allen Sworn 

Clement  Collins Sworn 

John  Grant ......... 

Isaac  Vergoose Same 

William  Paine 

John  Greenough  Refuses  to  Swear 

Andrew  Simms Sworn 

Moses  Eayres Sworn 

Joseph  Gidclings Sworn 

John  Simpson Sworn 

John  Low .     Sworn 

were  chose  Viewers  of  Boards  Shingles  &ca.  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  Sam1.  Phillips  Savage  ^ 

Thomas  Allen    ....     Sworn. 
Royal  Tyler 

David  Jenkins  ....     Sworn. 
Henry  Atkins  junr.      .     .     Sworn. 
Willm.  Blair  Townsend 
Henry  Laughton  junT.       .     Sworn. 
Henry  Newman      .     .     .     Excus'd. 
Samuel  Edwards    .     .     .     Sworn 
Joseph  Edwards     .     .     .     Sworn 
Arthur  Savage  ....     Excus'd 
Thomas  Etheridge       .      .     Sworn 
Tim0.  Newell     ....     Sworn 

Thomas  Gray 

Clerks  of  the  Market.  [In  margin] 
Abijah  Adams  .  .  .  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market. 
The  Selectmen's  Report  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  year  past,  as  Enter'd  in  his  Book 
(and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  &  Voted  that  the 
said  Report  be  accepted  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  Fenno  be  further 
accountable  to  the  Town  for  156  bush.  Corn  &  334-  bush.  Rye 
being  £66  :  17  :  Of  &  Cash  £321  :  16  :  10.  being  in  the  whole 
£388  :  13  :  lOf .  lawful  money,  all  which  is  now  in  his  hands, 
Exclusive  of  £20.  for  his  Salary,  &  £6  :  13  :  4.  for  Assistance, 
which  is  hereby  allowed  him. 

[251.]  Voted  that  the  sum  of  Twelve  pence  on  the  pound  be 
and  hereby  is  allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the 
year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect,  provided 
they  pay  unto  the  Town  Treasurer  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sum 
they  are  obliged  to  Pay  him  within  three  months  from  the  time  of 
receiving  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half 
part  in  three  months  after,  and  also  Pay  to  the  Province  and 
County  Treasurers  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  the}'  shall 
be  obliged  to  pay  them  respectively,  in  Six  months  from  the  time 
they  receive  the  Books  from  the  Assessors  as  aforesaid,  and  the 
other  half  part  in  Six  Months  after  ;  and  in  case  either  of  the  said 


192 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Collectors  shall  fail  paying  the  said  Treasurers  in  the  above 
manner,  the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  afore- 
said allowance  of  twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  for  Collecting,  but 
wholly  forfeit  the  same. provided  also,  that  each  of  said  Col- 
lectors give  Bond  with  sufficient  Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the 
Selectmen  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  that  Office, 
and  complying  with  this  Vote. 


1 


>  Collectors  of  Taxes. 


Mess".    Benjamin  Edwards 
John  Grant 
Joseph  Russell 
James  Day 
John  Ruddcok 
Thomas  Downes  jun] 
were  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Shrimpton  Hunt    ....     Pay  ") 

John  Fillis Pay   I 

John  "Waldo Pay    j 

John  Nichols Pay    \  Constables. 

William  Husbands     .     .     .     Pay 

William  Hyslop     ....     Pay 

William  Powell      ....     Pay 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess13.  William  Cunningham     .     .     .     Pay 

Obediah  Curtis Sworn 

Daniel  Collins Sworn 

Jere:  Belknap  junr Excus'd 

NatrA  Wales Excus'd. 

Benja.  Eaton Excus'd. 

Edwd.  Sanders Excus'd. 

Sam1.  Procter Sworn 

were  Chose  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


1 


>  Constables. 


[252.]     Messr 


Sworn 
Excus'd 
Sworn 
Excus'd 
Sworn 
Excus'd  J 
Excus'd.  ] 
Sworn       i 


\  Constables. 


Constables. 


Samuel  Bass  . 
Richard  Fisher    . 
Joseph  Payson    . 
Nathaniel  Rogers 
David  Bell     .     . 
John  Norton  . 
Benjamin  Sumner 
Josiah  Waters     . 
Voted  that  Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
Andr.  Oliver  Esqr. 
Thos.  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esqr.  & 
Mr.  William  Cooper 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  make  a  full  and 
particular  Enquiry  into  the  present  State  of  the  Town,  and  what 
are  the  Causes  of  the  great  Expence  thereof,  and  Consider  what 
Method  the  Town  can  take  in  order  to  prevent  or  reduce  the  same, 
and  said  Committee  are  desired  to  make  their  report  hereon  at  the 
Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

The  Petition  of  Elias  Dupee  was  read,  setting  forth  that  he  was 
one  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  in  this  Town  for  the  Years  1744, 


Boston   Town  Records,   1750-51.  193 

1745,  1746  &  1747,  and  took  the  utmost  Care  &  Pains  in  Collect- 
ing such  Taxes  as  were  committed  to  him,  notwithstanding  which, 
by  means  of  the  great  poverty  of  many  of  the  Inhabitants,  and 
others  being  absent  at  Sea,  who  never  returned,  there  were  con- 
siderable Sums  that  he  could  not  get  in,  tho  he  has  paid  and  satis- 
fied the  Town,  County  and  Province  for  the  whole  of  'em,  and 
having  made  no  application  before,  now,  that  the  Taxes  of  such 
poor  and  absent  persons  may  be  Abated  him  he  prays  the  Town 
would  appoint  a  Committee  to  Enquire  into  the  Circumstances  such 
persons  were  in  the  beforementioned  Years  whose  Taxes  he  could 
never  get,  hear  the  Petr.  and  report  to  the  Town  what  they  ap- 
prehend ought  in  Justice  to  be  abated  him,  And  it  was  thereupon 
Voted  that  the  Assessors  of  the  Town  be  a  Committee  to  Consider 
of  said  Dupees  Petition,  hear  him  thereupon,  and  report  to  the 
Town  what  Taxes  ought  to  be  abated  him.  Also  Voted  that  the 
Selectmen  give  a  Draft  on  the  Treasury  to  said  Dupee  for  the 
Premium  clue  to  him  for  Collecting  the  Taxes  [253.]  For  the 
year  1747. 

The  Petition  of  Cap'.  Benjamin  Edwards  praying  for  an  abate- 
ment of  Sundry  Taxes  committed  to  him  to  Collect  in  the  Years 
1748.  &  1749.  was  Read,  Voted  that  the  same  be  dismiss'd. 

The  Petition  of  William  Rand,  praying  for  an  Abatement  of 
sundry  Taxes  committed  to  him  to  Collect  in  the  Years  1734.  1735. 
1736.  and  1737.  was  Read,  Voted  the  same  be  dismiss'd. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  they  are  hereby  allowed  to  Sit 
upon  the  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  day  of  June  next  and  no 
longer,  saving  that  they  have  Liberty  to  Sit  the  second  and  third 
"Weeks  in  November,  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  such  persons  as  shall 
appear  to  be  dead,  or  out  of  Town,  and  could  not  have  made 
application  to  them  therefor,  before  said  first  day  of  June. 

The  Town  Entred  upon  the  Consideration  of  that  Article  in  the 
Warrant  viz'.  Whether  any  more  effectual  Method  than  is  already 
prescrib'd  by  Law  can  be  taken,  to  prevent  the  Disorders  that  are 
frequently  committed  by  Negroes  in  the  night,  and  thereupon 
Voted  that  the  same  be  referr'd  to  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Samuel 
Welles  &  Benjamin  Prat  EsqTS.  the  Committee  appointed  the  13th. 
of  March  last,  to  revise  all  the  By  Laws  and  Orders  of  the  Town 
now  in  force,  and  they  to  make  Report  thereon. 

Voted  that  the  Province  Law  made  and  pass'd  in  the  first  Year 
of  the  Reign  of  her  late  Majesty  Queen  Anne,  Entitled  an  Act  to 
prevent  Disorders  in  the  night,  be  printed  in  all  the  publick 
Newspapers  for  the  better  Information  of  the  Inhabitants. 

The  Petition  of  Alexander  Hunt  of  Boston  Shipwright  setting 
forth,  that  the  Town  are  possess'd  of  a  small  Peice  of  Laud  near 
to  Forthill  in  Boston,  adjoyniug  to  the  Petit".  Land  in  part,  which 
has  not  for  many  Years  been  of  any  benefit  to  the  Town,  and  it's 
likely  from  the  Situation  of  it  never  will  be,  but  as  it  is  somewhat 
commodious  to  him  he  is  willing  to  purchase  the  same  of  the  Town 
and  give  such  a  Consideration  therefor  as  they  shall  Judge  rea- 
sonable, praying  the  Town  would  take  the  premisses  into  Consid- 
eration, and  sell  him  the  small  peice  of  Land  aforesaid  for  what  it 
may  be   Judged  worth,    the   same  being  read  it  was  Voted  that 


194  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mess".  Jonathan  Williams  [254.]  Thomas  Greene  and  Major 
Nathaniel  Thwing  be  a  Committee  to  take  said  Petition  into  Con- 
sideration, View  the  peice  of  Land  petition'd  for  to  be  Sold,  and 
Report  to  the  Town  at  their  meeting  in  May  next,  whether  they 
apprehend  it  will  be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  Sell  it. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz1.  "  To  Consider  whether  the  Town 
will  have  an  Engine  Erected  near  the  middle  part  of  it,  for  the 
weighing  of  Hay  brought  in  by  Water."  was  taken  into  Consider- 
ation, and  thereupon,  it  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired 
ta  receive  proposals  from  any  persons  that  may  offer  'em  for  the 
weighing  of  Hay  in  the  middle  part  of  the  Town  and  report  'em  to 
the  Town  at  their  Meeting  in  May  next. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'cl  to  three  o' Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  met  according  to  their 
Adjournment. 

Voted  that  the  Honble.  John  Wheelwright  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
Mr.  Harrison  Gray 
Mf.  Sam1.  Phillips  Savage  & 
Mr.  William  Cooper 
be   and    they  hereby  are   appointed  a  Committee    to   Audit   the 

Accompts  of  Mr.  David  Jeffries,  Treasurer  of  the  Town. and 

also  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  for  the  Year  past, 
and  they  are  desired  to  make  Report  thereon  at  the  Meeting  of  the 
Town  in  May  next. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinish'd,  be 
and  hereby  are  referr'd  over  to  the  Meeting  of  the  Town  in  May 
next,  to  be  then  Considered  of,  and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  for 
managing  the  Affairs  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

[255.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  Lawfully  warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the 
14th.  day  of  May  A.D.  1751. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     .     .     Read. 

Sundry  Laws      .  Read. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  pro- 
pos'd  to  the  Inhabitants  assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a 
person  or  persons  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  a  Great  and 
General  Court  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the  twenty 
ninth  day  of  May  instant,  and  in  Order  thereto,  to  Consider  and 
Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly  it 
was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives,  and 
it  was  then  declared  that  the  Poll  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock. 
The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to  be 
463.  and  before  they  were  Sorted,  A  Motion  was  made  by  M1. 
Thomas  Greene,  and  Seconded  by  many  of  the  Inhabitants,  that  a 


Boston   Town  Records,  1751.  195 

Question  may  be  put,  "Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town  to 
Enquire  of  the  Gentlemen  that  Served  as  Representatives  the  last 
Tear,  if  they  had  received  or  intended  to  receive  any  Pay  for  Serv- 
ing as  Representatives  the  last  Year,"  and  the  same  being  put  It  was 
Voted  in  the  Affirmative  by  a  very  great  Majority,  and  those  Gen- 
tlemen being  present,  Enquiry  was  accordingly  made  of  'em,  to 
which  they  answered  Viz'.  James  Allen  Esqr.  That  he  had  not  re- 
ceived any  Pay,  &  was  not  determin'd  in  his  own  mind,  whether  he 
sho'd  or  not.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  "That  he  had  not  taken 
nor  been  to  the  Treasury  for  any  Pay,  but  as  the  not  taking  Pay, 
was  an  Affair  that  may  be  attended  with  ill  Consequences,  he  is 
inclin'd  to  Submit  the  Consideration  thereof  to  the  Town.  —  Mr. 
John  Tyng"  That  he  was  determin'd  to  receive  his  Pay,  and  dis- 
pose of  it  as  he  tho't  proper.  —  Mr.  Harrison  Gray  that  he  was  de- 
termin'd to  receive  his  pay.  —  and  then  the  Votes  were  Sorted  & 
it  thereupon  appeared  that  three  Gent",  only  were  Chose  Viz'. 
The  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  253. 

Mr.  John  Tyng  263. 

Mr.  Harrison  Gray  300. 

and  then  the  Inhabitants  withdrew  and  brought  in  their  Votes  for 
[256.]  Another  Representative,  and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared 
that  the  HonbIe.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  great 
Majority. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  de- 
clared by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator, 
and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  Thomas  Hub- 
bard Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  three  ©'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 
Schools  Read,  and  is  as  follows  viz4. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton in  Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  14th.  1751. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
15th  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  several  Pub- 
lick Schools,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein,  as  they  sho'd  think  proper,  do  now  Report. 

That  on  the  22d.  clay  of  June  last,  We  attended  that  Service 
accompanied  with  the  following  Gentlemen  Viz'. 

The  Hon0.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
The  Hon°.  John  Osborne  Esqr. 
The  Hon°.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esqr. 
The  Hon°.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq1. 
The  Hon".  Samuel  Watts  Esqr. 
The  Hon0.  John  Wheelwright  Esqr. 
The  Hon°.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr. 
The  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  Boston. 
The  Rev".  Mr.  Thomas  Prince 
The  Rev".  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley 


196  City  Document  No.   170. 

The  Revd.  Dr.  Charles  Chauncey 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Ellis  Gray 
The  Revd.  Mr.  Andrew  Eliot 
[257.]  William  Tyler  Esqr. 

Henry  Atkins  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Mr.  Josiah  Quincy 
Mr.  Thomas  Flucker 
Mr.  James  Bowdoin 
Mr.  Uavid  Jeffries 
And  found  that  in  the  South  Grammer  School  there  were  117 
Schoolars,  in  the  Writing    School   260  Scholars,  in  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  93  Scholars,  in  the  North  Grammer  School 
43  Scholars,  in  the  North  Writing  School  267  Scholars,  all  in  very 
good  Order. 

Thomas  Hancock   ~) 

Sam*-.  Grant  [_  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Tho8.  Hill 


Jn°.  Gardner 

Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing,  &  that  they  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them, 
as  they  shall  think  convenient,  and  Report  thereon. 

The  Petition  of  George  Lamott  of  Boston  Fisherman,  setting 
forth,  that  for  several  Years  he  has  sold  fresh  Fish  at  the  Market 
at  the  head  of  the  Town  Dock,  which  place  has  been  improved  for 
that  use  for  a  long  Course  of  Years,  &  has  been  found  greatly  con- 
venient to  the  Inhabitants,  but  there  being  no  House  or  Shed  to 
Skreen  the  Fish  from  the  Heat  in  Summer,  great  Quantitys  of  it 
are  often  spoil'd,  a  considerable  Loss  is  thereby  occasion' d  to  the 
Petitr.  as  well  as  to  the  Publick.  The  Petitr.  therefore  proposes 
to  the  Town  to  Erect  a  small  Building  at  his  own  Expence  on  or 
near  the  place  where  the  Fish  have  heretofore  been  sold,  as  the 
Town  shall  think  proper,  which  will  be  a  means  of  preventing  any 
Loss  of  Fish  in  Summer,  and  Securing  the  Inhabitants  that  come 
there  to  buy  Fish  from  the  Inclemencys  of  the  Wheather  in  Winter, 
and  as  he  shall  carry  off  every  thing  that  maybe  offensive,  he  prayed 
the  Town  would  give  him  Liberty  to  Erect  said  Building  accord- 
ingly—  said  Pet0,  being  Read,  It  was  thereupon  Voted  that  said 
Petition  be  referr'd  to  the  Selectmen,  &  they  be  &  hereby  are  im- 
powered  to  give  Liberty  to  said  George  Lamotte  (if  they  see 
cause)  to  Erect  a  Building  on  such  a  place  at  the  head  of  the 
Dock  as  they  shall  Direct,  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  his  Peti- 
tion, the  same  to  Continue  so  long,  as  the  Selectmen  for  the  time 
being  shall  Judge  proper,  and  to  be  under  their  Regulation. 

[258.]  The  Petition  of  James  Fairservice  praying  the  Town 
would  Regulate  the  Market  for  the  Sale  of  Hay  &  Sand,  was 
Read  & 

Voted  that  the  Town  will  not  Sustain  said  Petition. 

The  Town  Enter' d  upon  the  Consideration  of  the  Petition  of 
sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  the  Encroachment's  made  on  the 
highway  leading  from  Hudson's  point  Southwesterly  to  the  Mill 


Boston   Town  Records,  1751.  197 

Stream  by  Mr.  Gee's  Building  yard  called  Ferry-way  may  be 
removed,  and  said  way  repair'd,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon  It 
was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  Consider  of  said  Petition  enquire  particularly  into  the 
circumstances  of  said  way,  what  the  Expence  of  repairing  it  will 
amount  to,  and  receive  proposals  from  any  of  the  Inhabitants,  as 
to  their  paying  any  part  of  the  Charge  of  repairing  the  same,  & 
Report  hereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  a  Grant  of  Four  Thousand  Pounds  lawful  money,  to  be 
rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges,  aris- 
ing within  said  Town  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Honble-  John  Wheelwright  Esq1'.  &  others  a  Committee  ap- 
pointed the  12th.  of  March  last  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  Mr. 
David  Jeffries  Treasurer  of  the  Town,  now  reported,  that  they 
had  attended  that  Service  and  found  the  Accompts  right  cast  and 
well  Vouch'd,  and  the  said  Treasurer  Charges  himself  with  what 
was  remaining  due  from  the  several  Collectors  last  Year,  with  the 
Stock  of  Grain,  Powder  &ca.  &  what  he  had  received  from  the  late 
Treasurer  Wads  worth  as  also  for  a  new  Tax  for  the  Year  1750, 
with  Several  Fines  received  from  the  Justices  &ca.  &  Rent's,  all 
which  Amount  to  £8782,,10,,6f  &  the  said  Treasurer  discharges 
himself  with  the  Draughts  remaining  unpaid  in  the  late  Treasurer 
Wadsworths  time,  also  for  what  he  has  already  paid  of  Draughts 
from  the  Selectmen  and  Overseers,  &  with  several  abatements, 
made  the  Collectors  &ca.  all  which  amounting  to  £6421,,  10, ,2£  by 
which  it  appears  that  when  all  the  Taxes  and  Rent's  are  paid  in, 
the  Ballance  will  be  twenty  three  hundred  &  sixty  one  pounds  & 
four  pence  half  penny  due  to  the  Town,  which  the  said  [259«] 
Treasurer  further  is  to  account  for  as  appears  by  the  Trial  Ballance 
on  the  other  side  of  said  Report,  which  is  on  File,  all  which  is 
humbly  Submitted  &ca.  —  Which  being  Read,  Voted  that  the  same 
be  and  hereby  is  accepted. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  of  March  last,  to  make 
Enquiry  into  the  present  State  of  the  Town,  and  the  Causes  of  the 
great  Expence  thereof,  and  Consider  what  Method  the  Town  can 
take  in  order  to  prevent  or  Reduce  the  same,  now  reported,  that 
they  had  met  and  attended  that  Service  &  having  particularly 
Inspected  the  Accompts  both  of  the  Selectmen  and  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  agreed  upon  the  whole  to  Report  as  follows  Viz1. 

1st.  That  the  Charge  of  supporting  the  several  Publick  Schools 
amounted  the  last  Year  to  more  than  ^  part  of  the  whole  Sum 
drawn  for  by  the  Selectmen ;  but  altho.  this  Charge  is  very  Con- 
siderable, &  the  number  of  Schools  is  greater  than  the  Law  requires, 
Yet  as  the  Education  of  Children  is  of  the  greatest  Importance  to 
the  Community  ;  the  Committee  cannot  be  of  Opinion  that  any  Sav- 
ing can  be  made  to  Advantage  on  that  bead ;  except  the  Town 
should  think  it  expedient  to  come  into  Methods  to  oblige  such  of  the 
Inhabitants  who  send  their  Children  to  the  Publick  Schools  and  are 
able  to  Pay  for  their  Education  themselves,  to  ease  the  Town  of 
that  Charge  by  assessing  some  reasonable  Sum  upon  them  for  that 
purpose. 


198  City  Document  No.   170. 

2dly.  There  are  one  or  two  Lesser  Articles  in  the  Selectmens 
Accompts  in  which  the  Committee  apprehend  there  be  some  Sav- 
ing, as  in  Reducing  the  Number  of  Bells  daily  rung,  and  at  different 
hours  of  the  day,  the  Committee  being  of  Opinion  that  two  Bells 
rung  in  different  parts  of  the  Town  viz'  at  5  in  the  morning,  one  at 
noon,  &  nine  in  the  Evening,  together  with  the  Bell  at  the  Open- 
ing of  the  Market  would  be  sufficient. 

3d,y.  And  the  Charge  of  Purchasing  and  Supporting  Bulls,  the 
Committee  are  of  Opinion  ought  not  to  lie  upon  the  Town  in  gen- 
eral, but  upon  such  Inhabitants  only  as  keep  Cows  therein. 

4thly.  The  Committee  have  likewise  Considered  the  several  Arti- 
cles of  Charge  in  the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  but 
know  of  no  Reduction  that  can  be  well  made  therein,  except  it  be 
in  the  Doctors  Accompts,  in  which  they  apprehend  there  might  be 
considerable  Saving  if  a  Box  of  Medicines  were  laid  in  at  the 
Almshouse  put  up  and  bought  at  first  hand,  out  of  which  the 
Towns  Physician  should  Administer  to  his  Patients  [260.]  With- 
out Doors  as  well  as  those  within. 

othly.  The  Overseers  having  likewise  laid  before  the  Committee 
a  List  of  persons  confin'd  in  the  Workhouse  &  made  a  State  of  that 
Account,  the  Committee  are  of  Opinion  that  the  Draughts  made 
upon  the  Treasurer  for  the  Support  of  that  House  is  occasioned  by 
the  number  of  distracted,  helpless  &  infirm  people  supported 
therein,  who  must  otherwise  have  been  a  Town  Charge,  and  that 
Exclusive  of  these  Subjects  the  Workhouse  is  of  little  or  no  Ex- 
pence  to  the  Town 

But  considering  the  great  Charges  the  Town  is  at,  the  Committee 
humbly  move  that  it  be  Recommended  to  all  who  have  the  disposal 
of  the  Town's  moneys  to  be  as  frugal  as  the  nature  of  the  respec- 
tive Services,  and  the  Interest  of  the  whole  will  admit. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted. 
Thos.  Greene  in  behalf  and  by 
desire  of  the  Committee. 

Which  being  Read,  Voted  that  each  Paragraph  of  said  Report  be 
taken  into  Consideration  seperately,  and  b}-  it  self,  and  thereupon 
the  first  Paragraph  was  Debated,  and  the  following  Question  put 
Viz*.   Whether  the  Town  will  come  into  any  Alteration  or  other 

method  than  they  now  have  relating  to  the  Schools. Voted  in 

the   Negative,    &   that,   that  Paragraph  of    said    Report   be    not 
Accepted. 

Then  the  Second  Paragraph  in  said  Report,  was  Debated,  and 
Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted,  and  that  no  Bells  be  rung  for 
the  future  but  the  Bell  at  the  old  North  Church,  the  Bell  at  Dr. 
Sewall's  Church  Viz1,  at  the  hours  of  five,  one  and  nine  o'Clock, 
and  the  old  Brick  Church  at  the  hour  of  Eleven. 

Then  the  third  Paragraph  was  Debated,  &  Voted  that  the  same 
be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Charge  of  purchasing  and  supporting 
the  Bulls,  shall  be  paid  by  such  of  the  Inhabitants  only  as  keep 
Cows,  and  the  Selectmen  are  desired  to  take  such  Methods  as 
may  be  necessary  for  obliging  the  Inhabitants  accordingly. 

Then  the  fourth  Paragraph  was  Debated,  &  Voted  that  the 
same  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  &  hereby 


Boston  Town  Records,   1751.  199 

they  are  desired  to  provide  a  Box  of  Medicines  for  the  use  of  the 
Almshouse  &ca.  and  also  take  any  other  method  they  shall  Judge 
necessary  for  reducing  the  Expences  of  the  [261.]  Town  in 
Supporting  the  Almshouse. 

Then  the  fifth  Paragraph  was  Read  &  Voted  that  the  same  be 
Accepted . 

On  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  Voted  that  the  several 
Masters  of  the  Publick  G rammer  Schools  and  Writing  Schools  in 
the  Town  be  directed  not  to  refuse  taking  into  their  respective 
Schools,  any  Child  or  Children  that  may  be  brought  to  'em  for 
Education,  in  case  Enterance  mone}'  (so  called)  is  not  paid  said 
Masters,  and  also  that  they  shall  not  demand  any  Pay  or  Allow- 
ance for  Instructing  such  Children,  as  belong  to  the  Town,  and 
that  attend  in  School  hours  only. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  give  Direc- 
tions to  said  Masters  what  money  they  may  receive  from  the 
Scholars,  for  defreying  the  Expence  of  Firing. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  to  M1.  Peleg  Wiswall  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  North  Grammer  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Com- 
mence at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  to  M1.  John  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as 
Master  of  the  South  Grammer  School  for  the  Ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
Commence  from  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  Eighty  pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the 
South  Writing  School  in  Queen  street  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  South  Writing  School,  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at 
the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  pounds  lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks  as  Master  of  the  North 
Writing  School,  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him 
quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expira- 
tion [262.]  Of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  Fifty  pounds  lawful  money  be  allow'd 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gardner  as  Usher  of  the  South  Gram- 
mer School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quar- 
terly, us  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration 
of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  sum  of  Fifty  pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holbrook  as  Usher  of  the  South  Writing 
School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall 
become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last 
Year. 


200  City  Document  No.   170. 

The  Town  being  inform'd  that  William  Tyler  and  William 
Downe  Esq".  &  Mr.  Isaac  Walker  who  for  several  Years  past 
have  been  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  into  which  place  they  were 
chose  the  Eleventh  of  March  last,  decline  Serving  any  longer, 
Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
those  Gent",  for  their  faithful  Services  to  the  Town  while  they 
continued  in  that  Office. 

Voted  that  three  other  Persons  be  chose  in  their  Room,  &  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted,  it  appeared  that 
Mess19.  John  Frankly n 

Joseph  Sherburn,  & 
John  Tudor,  were  chose. 

The  Petition  of  William  Larrabee  and  John  Ruddock  praying 
for  an  Abatement  of  sundry  Taxes  committed  to  them  to  Collect 
in  the  Years  1747.  1748.  1749.  was  Read,  and  thereupon  It  was 
Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  said 
Petition,  hear  the  Petitioners  and  Report  to  the  Town  what  Taxes 
they  apprehend  ought  in  Justice  to  be  Abated  'em. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Eleventh  day  of  March  last  to 
Consider  of  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Alexander  Hunt,  now  reported, 
that  they  had  Viewed  the  Land  in  said  Petit i°.  mentioned,  and 
were  of  Opinion  that  said  Pet0,  ought  to  be  dismiss'd,  for  that  the 
said  Hunt  has  set  his  House  on  the  two  rod  way  belonging  to  the 
Town,  and  has  also  in  possession  Fifty  three  feet  of  the  Towns 
Land  making  in  the  whole  Eighty  six  feet  in  wedth,  and  Two  hundred 
and  fifty  eight  feet  in  depth,  besides  the  Flatts  which  [263.] 
Is  Two  Hundred  feet  more  in  depth,  for  which  said  Committee 

apprehend  the  Town  ought  to  have  Satisfaction  for. Which 

Report  being  Read. 

Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  that  said  Petition  be 
dismiss'd. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  they  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  Consider  the  State  of  the  Ferry  called  Winnisimet 
Ferry,  Report  the  same  to  the  Town  as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz',  whether  the  Town  will  choose  a 
Committee  to  prosecute  any  person  or  persons  that  have  made  any 
Encroachment's  on  their  Lands  near  Fort  hill  or  any  other  part  of 
the  Town,  was  taken  into  Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate 

thereon,  It  was  Voted  that 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene  & 
Majr.  Natlf.  Thwing 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee,  and  fully  Author- 
ized and  Impowerecl  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to  prosecute  in 
the  Law  any  person  or  persons  that  have  made  any  Encroach- 
ments on  the  Towns  lands  near  to,  or  adjoyning  upon  Forthill  so 
called,  that  so  the  Town  may  obtain  Possession  of  their  Lands, 
unless  said  Committee  can  Accomodate  and  Settle  the  same  with 
such  persons  as  have  made  said  Encroachment's,  and  if  so,  that 
then  said  Committee  report  to  the  Town,  at  the  Adjournment  of 
this  Meeting,  the  proposals  made  'em  for  such  an  Accomodation. 

Andrew  Campbell  was  chose  a  Constable  &   .  Sworn. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1751.  201 

Voted,  That  Thomas  Gray  who  was  chose  a  Clerk  of  the  Market 
in  March  last,  be  Excus'd  from  Serving  in  that  Office  the  Ensuiug 
Tear. 

Voted  that  John  Mico  Wendell,  serve  as  a  Clerk  of  the  Market r 
in  the  room  of  Thomas  Gray  who  is  Excus'd. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz1. 

"  To  Consider  the  State  of  the  North  Granary  house,  &  what  is 
best  to  be  done  concerning  it,  was  taken  into  Consideration,  and 
thereupon  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  they  are 
Impowered  to  Sell  said  House  or  otherwise  dispose  of  it  as  they 
shall  apprehend  will  be  most  for  the  benefit  of  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  Eleventh  of  March  last,  on  the 
[264.]  Petition  of  Elias  Dupee,  made  their  Report,  which  was 
read,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  said 
report  be  recommitted  to  said  Committee,  and  they  are  desired  to 
make  particular  Enquiry  into  the  Circumstances  of  such  persons 
whose  Taxes  they  have  now  reported,  ought  to  be  abated,  and 
further  Report  hereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  six  Pounds  thirteen  shillings  and 
four  pence  lawful  money  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury 
unto  Mr.  David  Jeffries,  as  Treasurer  out  of  the  Town  for  the 
Year  past,  Also  Voted  that  the  further  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  be 
allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Jeffries  for  his  extraordinary  time  Care 
and  Trouble  in  Setting  and  Transferring  the  Accompts,  Books 
&ca.  of  the  Treasury,  since  he  has  been  in  that  Office. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allow'd 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Abijah  Adams  for  his  Services  as  Clerk  of 
Faneuil  Hall  Market  the  Year  past. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  Friday  the  14th.  of 
June  next  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

The  fourteenth  day  of  June  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon 
the  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  of  May  last  to  reconsider  the 
Petition  of  Elias  Dupee  praying  that  sundry  Taxes  may  be 
Abated  him,  now  made  their  Report,  that  the  Taxes  of  sundry 
persons  who  are  therein  particularly  named,  ought  in  Justice  to 
be  Abated  the  Petitioner,  and  after  some  Debate  on  said  Report, 
It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted,  and  that  the  sum  of 
forty  six  pounds  fifteen  shillings  lawful  money,  be  abated  to  the 
Petitioner  and  the  Selectmen  are  directed  to  give  said  Dupee  a 
Draft  for  that  Sum  on  the  Treasury  accordingly. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  of  May  last,  to  Consider  of 
the  Petition  of  William  Larrabee  and  John  Ruddock  praying  that 
Sundry  Taxes  may  be  abated  them,  now  made  their  Report  that 
the  Sum  of  Six  pounds  three  shillings  &  a  penny  lawful  money 
be  abated  to  Mr.  Larrabee,  and  the  sum  of  twelve  [265.]  Pounds 
two  shillings  and  ten  pence  lawful  money  be  abated  Mr.  Ruddock 
which  being  read,  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted,  &  that  those 
Sums  be  abated  the  Petitioners  accordingly,  and  the  Selectmen 
are  directed  to  give  'em  Drafts  on  the  Treasury  for  the  same 
accordingly. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  of  May  last,  to  Consider  of 


202  City  Document  No.   170. 

the  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  the  Encroach- 
ments made  on  the  highwa}-  leading  from  Hudson's  point  South- 
westerly to  the  Mill  stream  by  Mr.  Gee's  Building  Yard  called 
Ferryway  may  be  removed  and  said  way  repair'd,  now  reported, 
that  they  had  attended  the  Services  therein  mention'd,  and  found 
that  in  the  account  taken  of  the  Streets  and  Lanes  within  the 
Town,  as  Enter' d  in  their  Book  of  Records  in  1708.  there  is  a 
street  called  Ferryway  and  is  there  said  to  lead  along  the  Shore 
from  Hudson's  point,  Southwesterly  to  the  Mill  stream  by  Mr. 
Gees  Building  Yard,  and  that  in  the  same  Year,  they  found  by 
the  Selectmens  Minutes  that  they  ordered  said  Way  sho'd  be  of 
the  Breadth  of  Lynn  street  being  two  rods  wide,  and  which  is  all 
they  could  find  relating  to  said  way.  They  also  Reported  that 
they  had  View'd  said  Way  and  found  it  much  out  of  Repair,  and 
that  by  a  Computation  made  (and  with  said  Report  presented)  it 
will  Cost  about  Two  hundred  and  Sixty  six  pounds  thirteen  shil- 
lings and  four  pence  lawful  money  to  repair  it.  That  several  of 
the  Inhabitants  have  subscrib'd  a  considerable  Sum  towards  re- 
pairing the  same,  and  said  Committee  Judge  that  if  the  same  was 
repair'd  it  would  be  very  beneficial  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Northerly  part  of  the  Town,  and  also  that  it  will  be  a  great 
Encouragement  to  the  Petitioners  and  Subscribers  to  proceed  in 
repairing  said  Way,  if  the  Town  would  assist  them,  and  grant 
them  such  a  Sum  of  money  as  may  be  tho't  proper  towards  Coin- 
pleating  and  Effecting  it,  which  Report  being  Read,  after  some 
Debate  thereon  It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted.  Also 
Voted  that  Twenty  four  feet  in  wedth  of  said  Way  be  repaired 
(the  several  Subscriptions  for  paying  part  of  the  Charge  for  re- 
pairing be  made  good)  Also  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred 
and  thirty  three  pounds  six  shillings  and  eight  pence  lawful  money 
be  paid  by  the  Town  towards  repairing  the  same  way,  the  Peti- 
tioners and  Subscribers  paying  the  remainder  of  the  whole  Charge 
of  repairing  said  way,  Also  Voted  that  there  be  a  Committee 
chose  ;  distinct  from  the  Selectmen  to  repair  it,  and  that  Cap'. 
Tho:  Jas.  Gruchy,  Cap1.  Nath1.  Greenwood,  Mr.  John  Ruddock, 
Cap*.  Jonathan  Snelling,  M.   Gammon  Stevens,  Cap1.  Alexander 

Sears  &  Mr.  Newman  Greenough  be  the  said  Committee. Also 

Voted  that  if  any  part  of  said  Sum  of  One  [266.]  hundred  and 
thirty  three  pounds  six  shillings  and  eight  pence  sho'd  be  paid  to 
said  Committee  before  said  way  shall  be  fully  repaired  and  Com- 
pleated,  they  shall  give  Security  to  the  Town  to  refund  and  pay 
back  the  same  to  the  Town  in  case  said  repairs  shall  not  be  made 
and  Compleated  to  the  Satisfaction  of -the  Selectmen. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be  re- 
ferr'd  over  to  the  next  town  Meeting  to  be  then  acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  fourteenth 
day  of  June  A.D.  1751.  at  four  o'clock  P.M. 

The  Warrant  for  callius;  the  Meeting Read. 


Boston  Town  Kecords,   1751.  203 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator  for 
this  Meeting. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Business  of 
this  Meeting  as  mentioned  in  the  Warrant  viz1.  "  Whether  the 
Town  will  preferr  a  Petition  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  now 
sitting  praying  that  the  sum  of  nine  hundred  twenty  six  pounds 
seven  shillings  and  ten  pence  being  a  Quarter  part  of  the  Charge 
of  repairing  the  Court-house  and  which  the}r  are  ordered  to  Pay  by 
said  Court  may  be  remitted,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It 
was  Voted  that  the  Town  will  preferr  such  a  Petition  accordingly 
And  the  Selectmen  thereupon  Informing  the  Town  that  they  had 
prepar'd  a  Petition  for  that  Purpose,  the  same  was  Read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following  Viz'. 
Province  of  the         ) 

Massachusetts  Bay  j  To  the  Honourable  Spencer  Phips  Esq1. 
Lieu'.  Governour  &  Commander  in  Chief, 
the  Honble.  the  Council  and  Represent"68, 
of  the  Province  aforesaid  in  General  Court 
Assembled  June  1751. 

The  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  Town 
Meeting  regularly  Assembled  June  14th.  1751. 

[267.]     Most  humbly  Sheweth, 

That  your  humble  Petitioners  have  been  inform'd  by  their 
Assessors,  that  they  have  received  a  Warrant  from  the  Province 
Treasurer,  requiring  them  forthwith  to  Assess  on  the  Polls  and 
Estates  within  this  Town  the  Sum  of  nine  hundred  and  twenty  six 
pounds  seven  shillings  and  ten  pence  being  one  Quarter  part  of 
the  Charge  of  Building  the  Townhouse  in  Boston,  Sett  on  said 
Town  by  order  of  the  General  Court,  that  this  Information  gave 
great  Concern  to  your  Petitioners  who  had  made  their  application 
to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  last  Year,  praying  that  said  Order 
might  not  pass  but  they  were  so  unhappy  as  to  fail  of  the  desired 
Success,  Their  apprehensions  of  the  Difficulty  and  Distress  that 
must  come  upon  them  by  so  heavy,  and  with  all  deference  to  the 
Wisdom  of  the  General  Court  they  beg  leave  to  Say,  unequal 
Assessment,  are  very  much  increas'd,  and  it  would  be  a  failure  in 
point  of  Duty  to  themselves  if  they  should  neglect  any  means  in 
their  power  for  their  Relief.  They  therefore  again  with  one  Voice 
intreat  your  Honours  they  may  be  free'd  from  this  Burthen,  that 
the  Petition  they  preferr'd  the  last  Year  may  be  reviv'd  for  the 
Reasons  which  were  then  offer'd  in  said  Petition  and  such  addi- 
tional Reasons  as  may  be  now  offered  by  their  Representatives 
may  be  duly  Considered  by  your  Honours  and  such  Relief  afforded 
your  Petitioners  as  to  your  Justice  and  Goodness  shall  seem  mete. 

And  thereupon  it  was  Voted  unanimously  that  a  fair  Copy  of 
said  Petition  be  prepar'd  and  signed  by  the  Town  Clerk  in  behalf 
of  the  Town,  and  that  the  same  be  Represented  by  the  Represent- 
atives of  the  Town  to  the  General  Court  accordingly. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Things  continu'd  to  this  Meeting  be 
referr'd  further  to  the  next  Town  Meeting  to  be  then  Considered 
of,  &  Acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


204  City  Document  No.   170. 

[268.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the 
fifteenth  clay  of  November  A.D.  1751. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  was     ....     Read. 

John  Phillips  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  Voted  that  this 
Meeting  bo  adjourn' d  to  Wednesday  the  20th.  inst.  at  three  o'Clock 
in  the  afternoon. 

Wednesday  the  20th.  day  of  November  1751  3  o'Clock  P.M.  the 
Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Business  of  the  Meeting  as  men- 
tion'd  in  the  Warrant  viz',  to  Choose  Collectors  of  the  Taxes  of 
the  present  Year  in  the  room  of  such  persons  as  were  chose  in 
March  last  and  refuse  to  Serve,  and  upon  bringing  in  &  Sorting 
the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the  following  persons  were  chose  viz*. 
Messrs.  Jabez  Hunt 

Joseph  Bradford 
Jonathan  Payson 
Mr.  Hunt  and  M  .  Bradford  being  present  desired  the  Town  would 
Excuse  them  for  reasons  by  them  given  to  the  Town  whereupon 
It  was  Voted  that  they  be  Excus'd  accordingly. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  two  other 
Collectors,  and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared  that. 

Mess".  John  Jones  of  Treamount  Street  & 
Josiah  Quincy,  where  chose 
Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  26th.  instant 
at  ten  o'Clock  A.M.  to  receive  the  answers  of  the  Collectors  now 
chose. 

Tuesday  the  26th.  of  November  1751,  at  ten  o'Clock  A.M.  the 
Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

Josiah  Quincy,  appeared  and  prayed  the  Town  would  [269.] 
Excuse  him  for  Reasons  he  gave,  Voted  that  Mr.  Quincy  be  Ex- 
cus'd accordingly. 

John  Jones  sent  word  by  the  Constable  that  he  would  not  Serve 
as  a  Collector  of  Taxes  in  the  Town. 

Jonathan  Payson,  Accepted  of  said  Office. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  two  Col- 
lectors of  Taxes  and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that, 

Messrs.  Hopestill  Foster  & 

James  Scutt,  were  chose. 
And  they  Declaring  their  Acceptance  of  said  Office, 

The  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  ninth 
day  of  March  A.D.  1752. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Andrew  Eliot. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  written 


Boston  Town  Records,  1752.  205 

Vote,  and  upon   Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  James 
Allen  Esq1,  was  chosen. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  unanimously  chose  Town  Clerk  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  and  was  Sworn  into  that  Office  by  John  Steel  Esqr. 
having  first  taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the  22d.  of  his 
present  Majesty,  relating  to  Paying  and  Receiving  Bills  of  the  other 
Governments. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  seven  Selectmen 
and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  appeared,  That, 
[270.]  Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 

John  Steel  Esqr. 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr. 
Mr.  George  Holmes  & 
Cap'.  Joseph  Jackson,  were  chose. 
Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  twelve  Constables 
distinct  from  the  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Voted,  that  any  Person  chose  into  the  Office  of  a  Constable  for 
the  Year  ensuing  be  Excus'd  from  serving  provided  he  pay  into  the 
Town  Treasury  Three  Pounds  Lawful  Money. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Parkman Excus'd. 

James  Pike Excus'd. 

John  Giles Excus'd. 

John  Mico  Wendell Excus'd. 

Nathaniel  Barber  junr Pay. 

Isaac  Walker  junr Pay 

Ebenezer  Storer  junr Pay. 

William  Cooper Pay. 

Timothy   Marrow        Excus'd. 

Joseph   Waldo Pay. 

William  Dennie Paid  in  1747. 

Cornelius  Thayer Pay 

were  Chose  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treas- 
urer, and  upon  Viewing  of  'em  it  appeared  that  Mr.  David  Jeffries 
was  unanimously  chose.     And  he  was  Sworn  to  the  faithful  Dis- 
charge of  his  Duty  in  that  Office  by  John  Steel  Esqr.  having  first 
taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  22d.  Year  of  his  present 
Majesty  relating  to  Paying  or  Receiving  Bills  of  Credit  &ca. 
The  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
[271.]  The  Hon0.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esq1. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Cap*.  Ebenr.  Stem- 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mr.  John  Tudor 
were  Chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


206  City  Document  No.   170. 

Voted  that  the  Town  Enter  into  the  Consideration  of  the  Article 
in  the  Warrant  relating  to  the  Shutting  up  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market, 
at  five  o'Clock  this  Afternoon . 

The  Committee  appointed  in  March  1749,  Viz4.  Thomas  Hutch- 
inson, Samuel  Welles  and  Benjamin  Prat  Esq",  to  revise  all  the 
By-Laws  and  Orders  pass'd  by  the  Town  that  are  in  force,  and 
Correct  the  same  as  they  think  proper  &ca.  now  reported  that 
''having  spent  some  time  in  Revising  the  By-Laws  and  having 
agreed  upon  a  great  number  of  Alterations  and  Additions  which 
they  had  not  then  been  able  so  far  to  settle  or  compleat  as  was 
necessary  in  order  to  there  being  laid  before  the  Town  for  their 
acceptance  ;  and  before  the  Report  was  perfected,  the  Committee 
thought  it  convenient  to  propose  to  the  Town  two  Points  for  their 
Determination  First,  That  inasmuch  as  the  penalty  of  Twenty 
Shillings  which  is  the  Greatest  Sum  that  can  be  annex'd  to  the 
Breach  of  any  By-Law,  was  in  some  cases  insufficient,  application 
should  be  made  to  the  General  Court  at  their  nest  Sitting  praying 
them  to  enable  the  Town  to  pass  Laws  with  a  Penalty  not  exceed- 
ing Forty  shillings  Lawful  monej^.  Secondly,  That  as  a  Body  of 
By-Laws  however  well  adapted  to  the  Circumstances  of  the  Town 
will  be  of  very  little  Service  unless  they  are  more  duly  Executed 
than  the  By-Laws  have  been  for  many  Years  past,  therefore  that 
further  Application  should  be  made  to  the  General  Court  [272.] 
Praying  them  to  Impower  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  for  the  time 
being  or  the  Major  part  of  them,  at  their  Weekly  Meetings  to  Judge 
and  Determine  upon  all  Offences  against  the  Laws  of  the  Town, 
which  priviledge  the  Town  enjoy'd  from  their  first  Settlement  during 
the  Charter  of  the  old  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  and  the 
Committee  were  of  Opinion  this  would  be  a  probable  Means  of  a  due 
Execution  of  the  Laws  which  for  many  Years  past  has  been  very 
much  neglected.     All  which  is  humbly  Submitted  to  the  Town. 

Tho8.   Hutchinson 
Samuel  Welles 
B.  Prat 
Read  and  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted,  &  said  Committee  are 
desired   to  prepare  a   Bill   for   the   purposes   mentioned   in  said 
Report,  and  give  it  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the 
Town,  who  are  hereby  desired  to  use  their  Endeavours  to  get  the 
same  pass'd  into  a  Law. 

Col0.  John  Hill 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 

Cap*.  John  Carnes 

Cap*.  Joseph  Jackson 

Cap*.  Henry  Berry 

Cap*.  James  Day 

Mr.  John  Scollav 

Mr.  Royal  Tyler 

Mr.  John  Tudor 

Cap*.  Isaac  Freeman 
were  chose  Firewards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are 
desired  to  use  their  utmost  Endeavours  to  get  a  Law  pass'd  the 


Boston   Town  Records,  1752.  207 

General   Court  at  their  next  Sessions,   that  the  Town  may  for 
the  future  be  Enabled  to  choose  twelve  Fire  wards. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn' d  to  3  o'Clock  this  After- 
noon. 

[273.]     Monday  3  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon  the  Town  met 
according  to  their  Adjournment. 

Messrs.  Israel  Eaton Sworn 

William  Gray Pay 

John  Armstrong Sworn 

John  Durant Pay 

John  Pattin Sworn 

John  Barber Excus'd 

Edward  Gyles Pay 

William  Thomas Sworn 

John  Bridge Sworn 

William  Shepard Excus'd 

Thomas  Hunt Pay 

Abraham  Rogers Excus'd 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Edwards Sworn 

Thomas  Allen Sworn 

John  Mico  Wendell Sworn 

Cornelius  Thayer Sworn 

John  Phillips  junr Sworn 

Charles  Deming Sworn 

William  Davis Sworn 

John  Morley Sworn 

John  Gore Sworn 

John  Leverett Sworn 

Daniel  Oliver Sworn 

Jonathan  Mason Sworn 

were  Chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
N°.     1.  Cap1.  Tho8.  James  Gruchy 

Cap'.  Henry  Pigeon  Excus'd 
N°.     2    Cap'.  Jona.  Snelling 

Mr.  Francis  Archbald 
N°.    3.  John  Breck 
N°.    3.  Joseph  Gardner 
N°.    4.  Nathaniel  Holmes. 

Nathaniel  Loring 
N°.    5.  John  Wells 

James  Adams 
[274.]    N°.    6.  Benjamin  Dolbeare 

Joseph  Green,  in  Hanover  Street. 
N°.    7.  John  Welch 

Ephm.  Copeland 
N°.    8.  William  Story 

Joshua  Blanchard 
N°.     9.  John  Hunt 

John  Beaeham 
N°.  10.  Samuel  Hill 

William  Torrey 


208  City  Document  No.  170. 

N°.  11.  Thomas  dishing 

Edward  Winter 
N°.  12.  John  Eliot 

Benjamin  Greene 
were  Chose  Tything  Men  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  a  Porch  be  built  at  the  South  Entrance  of  the 
Grammer  School  whereof  Mr.  John  Lovel  is  Master,  and  the 
Selectmen  are  desired  to  Effect  the  same  in  the  best  manner 
they  can. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  the  Town  would 
determine  whether  the  way  leading  from  Orange  street  between 
the  Dwelling  house  of  Cap'.  Craister  and  Mr.  Clough  to  the  high- 
way leading  to  the  Common  is  a  publick  highway,  was  taken  in- 
to Consideration,  and  after  so  Debate  thereon, 

Voted  that  said  Petition  be  Dismiss'd. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  the  Bell  at  the 
Revd.  Messra.  Weelsted  &  Gray's  Meeting  house  at  the  North  end 
of  the  Town  may  be  rung  at  Eleven  o' Clock  in  the  forenoon,  as 
has  been  heretofore  practised,  was  Considered  of,  and  thereupon 
Voted  that  the  same  be  accordingly  Rung  at  that  hour  until  the 
Town  Order  otherwise. 

The  Town  considered  of  the  Petition  of  Dr.  Sylvester  [275.] 
Gardiner  praying  that  the  Town  would  Lease  to  him  for  the  term 
of  thirty  three  Years,  the  Marsh  &  Sunken  Lands  at  the  bottom  of 
the  Common  upon  the  Terms  he  therein  proposes  Viz'.  That  he 
will  Damm  out  the  Sea  from  said  Marsh  and  Lands,  so  that  the 
whole  may  become  dry  and  good  Ground,  the  Town  allowing  him 
to  Set  the  Fence  near  the  Brow  of  the  Hill,  adjoyning  to  said 
Marsh,  running  from  South  to  North,  and  across  a  little  Ridge  or 
Hill  that  divides  the  North  part  of  the  Marsh  from  a  Sunken 
pond  below  the  powder  house,  so  as  to  include  said  Pond  in  the 
Lease,  all  which  he  will  perform  in  three  Years,  otherwise  said 
Lease  shall  be  Null  and  Void,  and  the  Land  revert  to  the  Town, 
and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  said  Petition  be  Dis- 
miss'd. 

On  the  Petition  of  Nathaniel  Barber  as  Admor  of  the  Estate  of 
Cap'.  Benjamin  Edwards  cleced,  and  of  John  Grant,  praying  for 
an  Abatement  of  Sundry  Taxes  committed  to  said  Edwards  to 
Collect  in  the  Years  1747.  1748.  1749.  1750.  and  to  said  Grant,  for 
the  Years  1748.  1749.  1750.  as  in  said  Petition  is  set  forth,  Voted 
that  the  Assessors  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  they  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  Consider  of  said  Petition,  hear  the  Petitioners,  and 
Report  what  they  Apprehend  ought  in  Justice  to  be  abated  the 
Petitioners  ;  At  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  praying  that  Faneuil  Hall 
Market  may  be  Shut  up  for  so  long  time  as  the  Town  shall  Judge 
to  be  for  their  Interest,  was  Considered  of,  &  after  some  Debate 
thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  said  Market  be  Shut  up  until  the  Gen- 
eral Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

Also  Voted,  That  Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  Mr.  William  Cooper, 
Mr.  Harrison  Gray,  Col0.  John  Hill  &  Mr.  Ezekiel  Goldthwait,  be 
a  Committee  to  Consider  what  Method  is  best  for  the  Inhabitants 


Boston  Town  Records,  1752.  209 

to  take  in  order  to  Reduce  the  present  Excessive  price  of  Provi- 
sions, and  to  prevent  the  persons,  that  bring  Provisions  for  Sale 
to  Town,  Incumbering  the  Lands  &  [276.]  Highways  about  and 
near  to  Faneuil  Hall  Market  and  the  Nusances  on  Dock  Square, 
and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to,  To-Morrow  morning 
nine  o'Clock. 

Tuesday  9  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon,  the  Town  met,  according  to 
their  Adjournment. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Dyre 
Robert  Treat 
Samuel  Treat 
Benja.  Ballard 
Jonathan  Jenkins 
Isaac  Fowle 
Joseph  Savel  Junr. 
Edward  Potter  Junr. 
John  Hobbs  & 
Benjamin  Sault 
were  Chosen  Cullars  of  Staves  &  Ca.  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  John  Lee 

Isaac  Vergoose 

Stor}r  Daves  &         ...     Sworn. 
Clement  Collins       .     .     .     Sworn. 
were  Chosen  Hogreeves,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  William  Maccarty 
James  Cunningham 
Daniel  Coney 
Arthur  Savage 
Henry  Perkins 
After  Stoddard 
Alexander  Hill 
Moses  Deshon 
Richard  Billings 
Nathaniel  Loring 
John  White  & 
James  Gridley 
were  Chosen  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
[277.]  Mess19.  Joseph  Jackson 

John  S  coll  ay  & 
Thomas  Greene, 
were  Chosen  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all 
Needful  Directions  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary,  respecting  the 
Quantitys  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  setting  the  price  thereof  from 
time  to  time  as  Occasion  may  Require. 

Mess".  Thomas  Foster  & 
David  Cutler 
were  Chosen  Assaymasters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  John  Gray,  was  Chose  Surveyor  of  Hemp,  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 


210  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Gardner  & 

Benjamin  Harrod 
were  Chosen  Informers  about  Deer,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Mess".  Jacob  Parker 

Nathaniel  Barber    .     .     .     Sworn. 

William  Fairfield 

Thomas  Foster 

John  Winslow 

Peter  Oliver,  & 

John  Kneeland 
were  Chosen  Assessors,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

MessrB.  Samuel  Hastings    .     .     .     Sworn. 

John  Allen 

Josiah  Carter 

Thomas  Hartley 

Eliakim  Blackman  &  .     .     Sworn. 

Nathaniel  Hodgdon     .     .     Sworn, 
were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  Thomas  March  ....     Sworn. 

Caleb  Bay 

Francis  Warden 

William  Moore 

Onesiphorus  Tilestone  & 

James  Tilestone,  • 
were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
[278.]     Messrs.  Robert  Ford      ....     Sworn 

William  Nichols 

Clement  Collins      .     .     .     Sworn 

Henry  Allen 

Story  Dawes      ....     Sworn 

William  Paine 

Andrew  Simmes     .     .     .     Sworn 

John  Grant 

Moses  Eayres 

John  Low 

Isaac  Vergoose  &      .     .      Sworn 

John  Greenough 
were  Chosen  Viewers  of  Boards,  Shingles  &ca.  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing. 

Mr.  Joseph  Curtis  was  chosen  an  Haward,  the  Year  ensuing. 
Voted  that  Twelve  pence  on  the  pound  be  and  hereby  is  allowed 
to  be  paid  to  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all 
such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect,  provided  they  pay  unto  the  Town 
Treasurer,  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sum  they  are  obliged  to 
pay  him  within  three  Months  from  the  time  of  receiving  the  Tax 
Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  three  Months 
after,  and  also  pay  to  the  Province  and  County  Treasurers  one 
half  part  of  the  whole  sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  them 
respectively  in  six  months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the 
Books  from  the  Assessors  as  aforesaid  and  the  other  half  part  in 
six  months  after ;  And  in  Case  either  of  the  said  Collectors  shall 


Boston   Town  Records,  1752. 


211 


remov'd  out  of  Town 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Excus'd 

Sworn 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 


fail  paying  the  said  Treasurers  in  manner  as  above,  the  Collector 
so  failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  aforesaid  allowance  of 
twelve  pence  on  the  pound  for  Collecting,  but  wholly  forfeit  the 
same,  Provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with 
sufficient  Suretys  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faith- 
ful Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  that  Office,  and  complying  with  this 
Vote. 

[279.]     Mess1'3.  Thomas  Ramar 
Luke  Roberts    . 
Robert  McNeil . 
Thomas  Gyles  . 
Richard  Walker 
John  Edwards  . 
Bartholomew  Rand 
were  Chosen  Constables,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  John  Ruddock 
Hopestill  Foster 
Joseph  Russell 
Thomas  Downe  junr. 
James  Scutt 

Jonathan  Payson ....     Sworn 
were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  John  Provence      ....     Sworn 
John  Shepard       ....     Excus'd 
William  Roberts   ....     Sworn 
Samuel  Burt     .....     Excus'd. 
Ebenezer  Wallis   .     .     .     .     pd.  in  1747. 
Samuel  Ridgaway      .     .     .     Excus'd 

Mess".  Joseph  Kent Sworn 

William  Todd        ....     Sworn 
Constables.      [In  margin] 

The  Selectmen's  Report  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  as  Enter 'd  in  his  Book 
(and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office,)  Read,  and  Voted  that 
the  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  Fenno  be 
further  accountable  to  the  Town  for  forty  bushels  of  Indian  Meal, 
&  thirty  bushels  of  Rye,  am0,  to  £9,,  18,,  8  &  also  for  Three 
hundred  &  Seventy  Pounds  nineteen  Shillings  &  five  pence  half 
penny,  being  in  the  whole  Three  hundred  &  Eighty  pounds,  eigh- 
teen shillings  &  one  penny  half  penny  lawful  money,  all  which  is 
now  in  his  hands,  exclusive  of  £26,,  13,,  4.  for  his  Salary,  and 
Assistance,  which  is  hereby  allowed  him. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  Mr.  David 
Jeffries  Treasurer,  now  reported,  that  they  had  attended  that 
Service,  &  find  the  same  right  cast  and  well  Vouch'd,  and  [280.] 
The  said  Treasurer  charges  himself  with  sundry  Justices  Fines, 
with  the  Rent's  and  Incomes  of  the  Town  and  with  the  Taxes 
committed  to  the  Collectors,  amounting  in  all  to  £6943,,  16,,  3£, 
and  the  said  Treasurer  Discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abatements 
made  the  Collectors,  by  what  he  has  already  paid  of  the  Select- 
mens  and  Overseers  Draughts,  and  by  what  remains  unpaid  of 
said    Draughts    amounting   in   all    to   £4046,,  2,,   2    by  which  it 


212  City  Document  No.   170. 

appears  that  when  all  the  Taxes,  Rents  &ca.  are  paid  in,  the 
Ballance  will  be  twenty  eight  hundred  and  ninety  seven  pounds 
fourteen  shillings  &  one  penny  which  the  said  Treasurer  is  further 
to  accompt  for,  as  appears  by  the  Trial  Ballance  of  said  Accompt, 
given  in  by  said  Committee,  and  on  file.  Which  Report  being 
Read,  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted. 

The  Selectmen  having  prepared  a  List  of  all  such  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants as  are  Qualified  by  Law  to  Serve  on  the  Petit  Jury  of  Trials 
at  the  Superiour  and  Inferiour  Courts,  presented  the  same  to  the 
Town,  and  after  they  were  Sorted  for  the  respective  Boxes,  Voted 
that  their  Names  be  put  into  said  Boxes  as  now  Sorted  to  serve  as 
Jurors  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  Impowered 
to  Sit  upon  the  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  day  of  June  next 
and  no  longer,  saving  that  they  have  Liberty  to  Sit  the  second  and 
third  Weeks  in  November  next,  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  such  per- 
sons as  shall  appear  to  be  Dead,  or  out  of  Town,  and  could  not 
have  application  to  them  before  said  First  day  of  June. 

Voted,  that  the  Hon0.  John  Wheelwright  Esqr. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene, 
Mr.  Harrison  Gray,  & 
Mr.  William  Cooper, 
be   and   they  hereby   are   appointed   a   Committee  to   Audit  the 
Accompts  of  Mr.  David  Jeffries  Treasurer  of  the  Town  [281.] 
•And  also  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  &  they  are 
desired  to  make  Report  thereon  as  soon  as  they  have   done  the 
same. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to 
their  Adjournment. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  North  Grammer  School  for  the  Ensuing  Year, 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  John  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as 
Master  of  the  South  Grammer  School  for  the  Ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  clue,  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the 
Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  for  the  Ensuing  Year,  the  same 
to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence 
at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  South  Writing  School  the  Ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at 
the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1752.  213 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks  for  [282.]  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  North  Writing  School  the  Ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr  Nathaniel  Gardiner  for  his  Salary,  as  Usher  to  the 
South  Grammer  School,  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Lawful  money,  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salary,  as  Usher  of  the 
South  Writing  School,  for  the  Ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  John  Procter  junr.  for  his  Salary,  as  Usher  of  the 
North  Writing  School,  the  Ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him 
Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expira- 
tion of  the  last  Quarter. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  that  Article  in 
the  Warrant  Viz4.  "  What  reasons  should  be  given  to  the  General 
Court ;  why  the  Bridge  leading  over  Neponsit  River  ,  ought  not  to 
be  Declared  a  County  Bridge,  and  maintain'd  by  the  County."  and 
after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the 

Honblfi.  Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 
Richard  Dana  Esq1. 
Mr.  Benjamin  Kent 
Col0.  John  Hill  & 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
be  and  they  hereby  are    appointed   a  Committee  to  Consider  of 
this  Affair,    and  draw  up  such   Reasons    as  they  shall    [283.] 
Judge  proper  ;  why  the  aforesaid  Bridge  ought  not  to  be  a  County 
Bridge  and  maintain'd  by  the  County  &  said  Committee  are  desired 
and    Impowered   to  preferr  the  same   to   the    General  Court   at 
their  next   Sessions,  in    the    name    &  behalf  of  the  Town. 

The  Town  Considered  of  what  was  best  to  be  done  with  the 
Lands  and  Buildings  at  the  head  of  the  Dock  formerly  Leas'd  to 
Mr.  John  Dolbeare,  whose  Term  therein  is  Expired,  and  after 
some  Debate,  Voted  that  this  Affair  be  referr'd  to  the  Selectmen, 
who  are  hereby  desired  and  Impowered  to  proceed  and  act  hereupon 
as  they  shall  Judge  most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  Yesterday  to  Consider  what  Method 
is  best  for  the  Inhabitants  to  take,  in  order  to  Reduce  the  present 
Excessive  price  of  Provisions,  and  to  prevent  the  persons  that 
bring  Provisions  for  Sale  to  Town,  Incumbring  the  Lands  and 
highways  about  and  near  to  Faneuil  Hall  Market  and  the  Nusauces 
on  Dock  Square,  now  made  Report  (as  on  File)  which  was  Read 
and  Accepted,  and  thereupon  it  was  Voted  that  as  many  of  the 
Principal  Inhabitants,  as  can  be  conveniently  applied  to,  be  desired 
to  Agree  and  Sign  to  a  Subscription  now  laid  before  the  Town  by 
a  Committee  to  be  for  that  purpose  appointed  for  to  prevent  the 


214  City  Document  No.   170. 

Extravagant  Price  of  Provisions,  more  particularly  of  Flesh,  and 
that  the  Selectmen  after  the  Expiration  of  Five  Weeks,  the  time 
propos'd  to  Subscribe  for,  be  desired  to  make  a  Judgment  or 
Apprizal  of  the  Common  Necessarys  of  Life  at  their  Weekly 
Meetings,  and  publish  the  same  from  time  to  time  in  the  Weekly 
prints. 

Also  Voted,  that  inasmuch  as  there  are  great  numbers  of  Carts, 
Drays,  and  other  Lumbersome  Instruments  for  Conveying  Loads, 
frequently  gathering  &  long  continuing  in  Dock  Square  so  called, 
many  times  for  greater  part  of  the  Da}',  to  the  great  Annoyance 
not  only  of  those  whose  Dwellings  border  on  said  Square,  but 
also  to  others  His  Majesty's  good  Subjects,  who  frequently  pass 

aud  repass  therewith  much  Difficulty  &  Danger Therefore  the 

Selectmen  are  hereby  [284.]  Desired  to  take  the  most  Effectual 
Methods  for  clearing  and  preventing  Obstructions  and  Nusances 
as  aforesaid  in  said  Square,  and  that  the  Expence  the  Select- 
men are  at,  be  born  by  the  Town. 

Also  Voted  that  Messrs.  Nathaniel  Barber,  William  Cooper, 
Royal  Tyler,  William  Bowdoin,  Thomas  Cushing,  Robert  Watt 
and  William  Blair  Townsend  be  a  Committee  to  obtain  a  Subscrip- 
tion of  the  Inhabitants,  relating  to  the  price  they  will  give  for 
Provisions  &ca. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Monday  the  Six- 
teenth Instant,  3  o' Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Monday  the  Sixteenth  day  of  March  1752.  three  o'Clock  in  the 
afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Several  persons  that  were  chose  the  ninth  instant  to  Serve 
as  Tythingmen  appeared  and  said  they  were  ready  to  Serve  in  that 
Office,  if  they  could  do  it  with  out  taking  the  Oath,  declaring  they 
cou'd  not  take  it  with  a  good  Conscience,  and  for  that  reason 
pray'dthe  Town  would  Excuse  'em,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon, 
It  was  Voted,  the  said  persons  be  and  hereby  thejr  are  Excus'd 
from  Serving  as  Tythingmen  for  the  reason  they  have  given, 
Viz'.  "  that  they  could  not  with  a  good  Conscience  take  the  Oath 
of  a  Tythingman  as  required  by  Law. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  b}*  a  great  number  of  In- 
habitants, that  the  Town  would  reconsider  the  Vote  of  Dismission 
pass'd  on  Dr.  Silvester  Gardiner's  proposals  for  taking  a  Lease  of 
the  Marsh  Land  at  the  Bottom  of  the  Common,  It  was  Voted,  that 
the  same  be  Reconsidered,  and  after  some  Debate  upon  said  Pro- 
posals, It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  &  they  hereby  are 
appointed  a  Committee  to  take  such  Method  as  they  shall  think 
best  for  informing  the  Town,  what  [285.]  Land  it  is,  that  Dr. 
Gardiner  would  take  a  Lease  of,  either  by  staking  out  the  same, 
or  taking  a  Plan  thereof,  &  Report  thereon  at  the  General  Town 
Meeting  in  May  next,  that  so  the  Town  may  proceed  thereon  as 
they  shall  Judge  most  for  their  Interest. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  to  M1.  Abijah  Adams  in  full  for  his 
Services  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  the  Year  past. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  this  Meeting  to  obtain  Subscrip- 
tions of  the  Inhabitants  for  reducing:  and  setlino-  the  Price  of  Pro- 


Boston  Town  Becords,  1752.  215 

visions,  return' d  their  Lists,  and  it  thereby  appeared  thai  upwards 
of  three  hundred  persons  had  Subscrib'd,  &  then  It  was  Voted  that 
all  such  as  have  Subscrib'd,  or  that  shall  hereafter  Subscribe  be 
and  they  hereb}7  are  desired  not  to  purchase  any  provisions  upon 
or  near  Dock  Square. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  that  remain  unfinish'd  be  referr'd  to  the 
General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next,  to  be  then  Considered  of,  and 
acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  for 
managing  and  Conducting  the  affairs  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[286.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  Qualified  &  duly  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  twelfth 
day  of  May  A.D.  1752. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Cooper. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  one  of  the  Selectmen  in  their  Name  pro- 
pos'd  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a 
person  or  persons  to  Serve  for  &  Represent  them  in  a  Great  and 
General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Concord  on  Wednesday 
the  twenty  seventh  day  of  May  current,  and  in  order  thereto,  to 
Consider  &  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected, 
accordingly  It  was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Re- 
presentatives and  it  was  then  declar'd  that  the  Poll  be  clos'd  at 
twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  327  and  upon  Sorting'  em  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentle- 
men were  Chose,  Viz1. 

The  HonVle.  James  Allen  Esqr 202 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.   ......     270 

Mr.  John  Tyng 175 

Mr.  Harrison  Gray 204 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  being 
Declared  by  the  Selectmen, 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  & 
upon  Sorting  the  same  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  James  Allen 
Esqr.  was  Chose. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  3  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

[287.]  Afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to  their  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 
Schools,  Read,  and  is  as  follows, 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  12th.  1752. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
14th.  of  M^y  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  Several  pub- 


216  City  Document  No.  170. 

lick   Schools,  and   Invite   such    Gentlemen   to   Accompany  them 
therein,  as  they  should  think  proper,  do  now  report, 

That   on  the  19th.  day  of  June  last,  we  attended  that  Service 
accompanied  by  the  following  Gentlemen  Viz1. 
The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 

John  Wheelwright  Esq1*. 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr. 

Stephen  Stewall  Esqr. 
The  Gent",  the  Repves.  of  Boston 
The  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall 

Mr.  Thomas  Prince 

Mr.  William  Weelsted 

Mr.  Samuel  Mather 

Mr.  Mather  Byles 

Mr.  Samuel  Cooper 

Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 

Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 

Cap*.  William  Salter 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 

Mr.  James  Boutineau 

Mr.  John  Barrett 

Mr.  David  Jeffries 

Cap1.  Hugh  McDaniel 
And  found  that  in  the  South  Grammer  School  there  were  120 
Scholars,  in  the  South  Writing  School  270  Scholars,  in  the  Writ- 
ing School  in  Queen  Street  there  were  90  Scholars,  in  the  North 
Grammer  School  49  Scholars,  and  in  the  North  Writing  School 
265  Scholars,  all  in  very  good  Order. 

John  Steel  "^ 

Saml.  Grant  J     o  i     ,  „  r>     . 

m  TT  >    Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Thomas  Hill  j 

Joshua  Henshaw  J 

Voted  that  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Gentn.  the 
Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools,  the  Year 
[288.]  Ensuing  and  that  they  Invite  such  Gentn.  to  Accompany 
them  as  they  shall  think  convenient  &  Report  thereon. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  some  Method 
may  be  taken  to  prevent  so  great  a  Number  of  persons  selling 
strong  Drink  in  Town  as  now  do,  was  Read  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon  It  was  Voted,  that  Thomas  Hubbard,  William  Tyler, 
Samuel  Welles,  John  Phillips  and  Jacob  Wendell  Esqrs.  be  and 
they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  said  Petition, 
and  Report  what  is  necessary  for  the  Town  to  do  thereupon. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Five  Thousand  pounds  lawful  money  to  be 
rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  the  Releif  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges, 
arising  within  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  David  Jeffries  in  full  for  his  Salary  & 
Services  done  as  Treasurer  of  the  Town  the  Year  past. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1752.  217 

Whereas  the  Right  Honourable  Alexander  Lord  Colvill,  Com- 
mander of  His  Majesty's  Ship  Sucess  has  upon  all  Occasions  dur- 
ing his  Station  here,  for  about  three  Years  past,  discovered  the 
utmost  readiness  to  do  every  thing  in  his  Power  for  promoting  the 
Interest  of  the  Province,  and  of  this  Town  in  particular,  and  by 
his  Conduct  and  good  Services  has  given  great  Satisfaction  to  the 
Town,  and  the  Freeholders  and  the  Inhabitants  taking  the  same 
into  Consideration,  propos'd  &  thereupon  unanimously  Voted  that 
the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  and  hereby  are  Given  to  his  Lord- 
ship for  his  aforesaid  Services  &  good  Conduct  during  his  Station 
here,  and  the  Gentn.  the  Selectmen  are  desired  to  wait  upon  his 
Lordship,  and  in  the  Name  of  the  Town  present  him  with  their 
Thanks  accordingly. 

[289.]  The  Petition  of  Isaac  Dupee,  Solomon  Kneeland  and 
others  relating  to  their  Lands  near  Oliver's  Dock,  was  Read  & 
thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr.  Mr.  Joseph 
Lee,  &  Isaac  Gridley  Esqr.  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  Consider  of  said  Petition,  and  the  Matters  therein 
Contain'd  and  Report  to  the  Town  at  the  Adjournment  of  this 
Meeting  what  they  apprehend  will  be  best  for  the  Town  to  do  on 
the  Affair. 

The  Petition  of  a  great  Number  of  the  Inhabitants,  praying  that 
the  Town  would  now  Consider  and  Determine  whether  Faneuil  Hall 
Market  shall  be  open'd,  or  further  shut  up,  was  Read,  and  after  a 
long  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  said  Market  be  Continued 
shut  up  until  the  further  Order  of  the  Town. 

The  Petition  of  James  Fairservice  relating  to  the  Sweeping  of 
Chimnies  was  Read,  &  he  thereupon  desired  Liberty  to  withdraw 
it,  which  was  allow'd  him  &  he  withdrew  it  Accordingly. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider  of  that  Article  in  the  Warrant 
Viz*.  "  What  application  is  necessary  to  be  made  to  the  General 
Court  to  Relieve  the  Town  under  their  present  Distressing  Circum- 
stances," And  it  was  thereupon  Voted,  that, 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 

Abiel  Walley  Esq1. 

Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 

John  Hill  Esq1.  & 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  this 
Affair,  and  are  desired  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  Petition  to  the 
General  Court,  therein  representing  in  the  strongest  Terms  the 
present  distressing  Circumstances  of  this  Town,  on  every  Account, 
as  they  shall  Judge  proper,  praying  for  Relief  &ca.  &  make  Report 
thereof  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  at  their  Meeting  in 
March  last,  to  Consider  of  the  Proposals  made  by  Dr.  Sylvester 
[290.]  Gardiner  of  taking  a  Lease  of  the  Marsh  belonging  to  the 
Town  at  the  bottom  of  the  Common,  now  made  their  Report  as 
follows  Viz'., 

Boston  ss.    To  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of    Boston  in   General  Town   Meeting,  Assembled  May 
12th.   1752. 


218  City  Document  No.   170. 

We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  a  Committee  by  the  Town 
at  their  Meeting  in  March  last,  to  Consider  of  the  Proposals  made 
by  Dr.  Sylvester  Gardiner  of  taking  a  Lease  of  the  Marsh  be- 
longing to  the  Town  at  the  bottom  of  the  Common,  do  now  report 
as  followeth,  Viz4. 

That  we  have  Viewed  said  Marsh  &  duly  Considered  of  the 
Affair  to  us  referr'd,  and  are  of  Opinion  that  it  will  be  for  the  Ad- 
vantage of  the  Town  to  Lease  to  said  Dr.  Gardiner  for  the  Term 
of  Thirty  one  Years  that  part  of  said  Marsh  and  Land  that  is 
contain'd  within  the  following  Bounds  viz',  the  same  to  begin  at 
the  Westerly  Corner  of  Pleasant  Street  and  to  run  from  thence  to 
a  Knowl  that  is  about  the  middle  of  the  pasture  of  the  late  Col0. 
Thomas  Fitch,  at  about  twenty  feet  distance  from  the  Marsh, 
from  thence  running  on  a  Line  to  a  Rock  that  is  at  the  North- 
easterly End  of  Ridge  Hill,  and  from  thence  running  on  the  South- 
erly bottom  of  the  Hill,  into  the  Sea,  said  Gardiner  to  have  Liberty 
of  going  to  and  from  the  same  thro,  the  publick  Streets  only. 
The  Town  reserving  thereout  the  Hill  called  Fox  Hill  for  their 
own  use  and  Benefit,  with  free  &  full  Liberty  of  passing  and 
repassing  to  and  from  the  same  at  all  times  during  the  Lease 
with  Carts,  Teams  &ca.  as  they  may  have  occasion,  the  said 
Gardiner  to  hold  the  same  during  the  Term  aforesaid,  upon  the 
Condition  &  Consideration  of  his  Paying  to  the  Town  Yearly  and 
every  Year  during  the  Lease  Five  Shillings,  and  also  Erecting  & 
Compleating  within  Seven  Years  a  strong  sufficient  Bank  or  Sea 
Wall  for  keeping  out  the  Water  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select- 
men, &  on  failure  hereof  that  said  Marsh  retui-n  to  the  Town,  & 
that  at  the  Expiration  of  the  Lease  he  deliver  up  the  same  to  the 
Town  in  good  Repair. 

Tho8.  Hancock 

John  Steel 

Saml.  Grant         )>  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Josh.  Henshaw 

JosH.  Jackson 

[291.]  And  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that 
the  Consideration  of  said  Report  be  referr'd  to  the  Adjournment  of 
this  Meeting. 

Messr9.  John  Grant 

Samuel  Edwards  & 
Benjamin  Church 
were  Chose  Assessors  of  Taxes  for  this  present  Year,  in  the  Room 
of  Mr.  Thomas  Foster  deced,  —  Mr.  Jacob  Parker  gone  out  of 
Town,  &  Mr.  John  Winslow,  who  declines  Serving,  they  being 
Chose  to  that  Office  in  March  last. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  ninth  of  March  last  to  Consider 
of  the  Petition  of  Cap*.  Nathaniel  Barber  as  Admr.  to  the  Estate 
of  Cap*.  Benjamin  Edwards  deced,  — ■  and  of  Mr.  John  Grant,  late 
Collectors  of  Taxes  &ca.  now  Reported  that  they  Judg'd  the  sum 
of  £29,, 0,, 10  lawful  money  ought  to  be  abated  to  said  Edwards's 
Estate,  and  the  sum  of  £7,,  15,, 2£  lawful  money  ought  to  be 
abated  to  said  John  Grant,  Which  being  Considered  of,  It  was 
Voted  that  said  respective  Sums  be  abated  them  accordingly  ;  and 


Boston  Town  Records,  1752.  219 

the  Selectmen  are  desired  to  give  them  Drafts  for  the  same  on  the 
Treasury. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Friday  the  22d.  inst. 
at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Friday  the  22d.  of  May  1752.  3  o'Clock  P.M.  the  Town  met 
according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Selectmen  Inform'd  the  Town,  that  agreeable  to  their  Vote 
the  12th.  inst.  they  had  waited  upon  the  Right  Honble.  Alexander 
Lord  Colvill,  and  return'd  him  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  as  Ex- 
press'd  in  said  Vote,  and  at  the  same  time  gave  him  a  Copy  of 
the  Vote,  to  which  his  Lordship  gave  the  following  Answer  in 
writing  Viz4. 

Gentlemen, 

I  am  extreamly  sensible  of  the  Honour  done  me  by  the  Metropolis 
of  America,  and  had  I  known  six  months  ago,  how  well  the  Free- 
holders and  other  Inhabitants  of  this  gi*eat  Town  were  affected 
towards  me,  I  "Would  have  applied  to  the  Lords  [292.]  Com- 
missioners of  the  Admiralty,  to  be  continued  on  this  Station ; 
But  as  'tis  now  too  late,  I  can  only  say ;  that  whenever  the  Amer- 
ican Stations  are  to  be  releived,  I  shall  think  myself  happy  if  I 
can  return  to  a  Countiy  which  has  already  given  me  such  Marks 
of  Esteem  and  Regard. 

Boston  May  18.   1752.  Colvill. 

Voted  that  his  Lordship's  answer  be  Enter' d  upon  the  Records 
of  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  Inst,  to  Consider  of  the 
Petition  of  Isaac  Dupee  Dupee,  Solomon  Kneeland  &  others,  now 
Reported,  That  they  had  met  the  Pet",  aforesaid  and  fully  heard 
'em  on  behalf  of  themselves  ;  and  the  other  persons  who  claim  the 
Lands  in  said  Petition  mentioned  and  also  fully  heard  Mr.  William 
Torrey  the  Original  Def.  and  upon  the  whole  do  Report  as  our 
Opinion  that  the  said  Petitioners  and  Claimers,  had  not  sufficient 
notice  given  'em  of  the  Law  Suit  aforesaid,  and  for  want  thereof 
could  not  defend  their  Right  &  Interest  in  said  Lands  (if  they  had 
any)  therefore,  that  Justice  may  be  done  in  the  premisses  and  to 
prevent  unnecessary  Expence  either  to  the  Town,  or  said  Claimers. 
We  apprehend  it  will  be  best  to  referr  the  Claim  of  each  to  the 
Determination  of  such  persons  as  may  be  mutually  chose,  they  to 
hear,  and  finally  Judge  upon  the  same,  as  th6.  no  Action  had  been 
brought,  or  Judgment  given  in  favour  of  the  Town  and  Claimers 
to  enter  into  Bonds  to  abide  by  such  Determination,  all  which  is 
humbly  Submitted  by, 

Joshua  Henshaw 
Joseph  Lee 
Isaac  Gridley 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon  It  was  Voted  that  the  Consid- 
eration of  said  Report  be  referr'd  to  the  General  Town  Meeting 
in  March  next. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  Instant  to  Consider  of  the 
Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  some  method  [293.] 
May  be  taken  to  prevent  so  great  a  number  of  persons  selling 
Strong  Drink  as  now  do,  Reported,  That  in  their  Opinion.     The 


220  City  Document  No.  170. 

Number  of  Licens'd  House  are  too  many,  more  than  are  either- 
necessary  or  convenient,  and  many  of  them  (as  they  are  now  used) 
are  nothing  but  Common  Nusances,  and  unless  suppressed,  threaten 
the  utter  Distinction  of  the'  morals  of  this  People,  and  that  if 
Twenty  persons  were  approbated  to  be  Innholders,  and  Sixty 
persons  more  for  Retailers  of  strong  Drink  within  the  Town,  it 

would  be  fully  sufficient,  or  Convenient And 

Whereas  there  are  at  present  36  Innholders  &  126  Retailers 
within  the  Town,  but  the  Persons  thus  Licens'd  are  constantly 
dying,  The  Committee  further  Report,  that  if  the  Selectmen  were 
desired  not  to  grant  any  new  Licenses  nor  approbate  any  in  the 
Room  of  those  who  may  die,  until  their  Number  be  Reduc'd  to 
what  is  hereby  reported  to  be  either  necessary  or  convenient,  it 
would  in  time  effectually  remedy  the  Evil  complained  of,  &  in  the 
End  be  of  great  Service  to  the  Town,  more  especially,  if  in  their 
approbations  they  would  have  regard  that  the  persons  thus  Licens'd 
be  of  the  best  Characters  &  so  situated  in  the  Town  as  best  to 
answer  the  necessity s  thereof . 

Thomas  Hubbard  ^) 

William  Tyler      !   ^      . 
o  vir  Y  Com6 

Samuel  Welles 


John  Phillips 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Unanimously  Voted  that 
said  Report  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being 
be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  Conform  to  the  Method  proposed, 
in  said  Report  so  far  as  they  shall  Judge  it  to  be  for  the  Conve- 
nience and  Interest  of  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  Instant  to  prepare  the  Draft 
of  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court  representing  the  present  dis- 
tressing Circumstances  of  the  Town,  praying  for  Relief  &ca.  now 
Reported,  a  Draft  that  they  had  prepared,  being  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing 

To   the   Honourable    Spencer   Phips    Esqr.    Lieu'.    Governour 
[294.]   And  Commander  in   Chief,  The  Honble.  the  Council  & 
House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court  Assembled  May  27th. 
1752.     The  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston.  — 
Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Boston  are  in  great  Distress  on 
many  Accounts,  &  beg  Leave  to  open  and  lay  before  your  Honours 
their  Calamitous  Circumstances  ;  And, 

That  which  is  most  apparent  &  Pungent,  is  the  present  prevail- 
ing, contagious  and  mortal  Sickness,  which  God  in  his  righteous 
Providence,  hath  sent  among  them,  the  Number  of  such  as  have 
been  sent  to  their  graves  by  it,  have  pass'd  thro'  it,  and  been 
rais'd  up,  and  of  those  who  now  Labour  under  it,  is,  about  six 
thousand  &  about  Three  or  Four  Thousand  more  in  all  probability, 
will  be  Visited  with  it,  This  Expence  only,  if  there  be  allowed  but, 
thirty  shillings  lawful  money  to  each  person,  for  Physicians 
Apothecarys,  Nurses,  Watchers  and  other  Attendants,  extraor- 
dinary Fire,  Candles  and  other  unavoidable  Charges,  will  amount 
to  an  Hundred  Thousand  pounds  old  tenor,  and  perhaps  about  a 
Thousand  persons  have  moved  out  of  Town  on  account  of  this, 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1752.  221 

infectious  &  dangerous  distemper,  whose  Charges  at  the  lowest 
computation  must  also  be  considered  at  thirty  shillings  lawful 
money  each  head,  which  adds  above  Ten  Thousand  pounds  old 
tenor  to  the  Gross  Sum,  divers  of  which  persons,  may  probably 
never  return,  but  Settle  out  of  Town,  as  was  the  Case  in  the  last 
time  of  the  Small  Pox,  and  if  it  should  be  thus,  the  Loss  to  the 
Town,  will  be  much  greater ;  and  with  this  Raging  Sickness  aud 
Losses  by  Death  and  Desertion,  there  is  almost  a  total  decay  and 
Extirpation  of  Trade  &  Commerce,  the  only  means  of  the  Town's 
Subsistance. 

These  Considerations",  These  Complicated  Afflictions  are  the 
more  distressing,  because  they  found  the  Town  in  very  unhappy 
circumstances,  occasioned  by  Great  &  Growing  Difficulty's,  they 
struggled  under  before,  particularly, 

The  great  Decay  of  Ship-Building,  &  the  Distilling  Business, 
these  are  almost  the  whole  Manufacture,  the  [295.]  Town  of 
Boston  ever  pretended  to  carry  on,  and  till  of  Late,  almost  all 
Ships,  especially  of  large  burthen,  were  Built  in  this  Town; 
Whereas  for  some  Years  past,  Two  Tonus  of  Shipping  have  been 
built  out  of  Town,  to  one  in  Town,  and  at  Newbury,  Five  times  as 
much  as  in  Boston  in  proportion  to  the  bigness  of  the  Two  Towns. 

As  to  the  Distillery,  six  Still  Houses  are  wholly  unoccupied  and 
there  is  not  one  in  the  Town,  fully  &  steadily  Employed  and  most 
of  them  not  half  improved,  owing  not  only  to  the  great  increase  of 
Still  Houses  at  Rhode  Island,  and  to  great  Numbers  very  lately 
erected  at  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  but  also  too  many  set  up 
in  this  Province,  at  Charlestown,  Plymouth,  Nantucket,  Salem, 
Newbury,  Watertown,  Haverhill  and  Medford,  and  from  Nan- 
tucket a  considerable  Trade  is  thereby  carried  on,  abroard,  to 
Newfound  Land  &  elsewhere,  which  Island  of  Nantucket  was  not 
long  since  wholly  supply' d  from  this  Town  of  Boston  with  Rum  and 
the  other  things  too,  which  they  now  import  themselves  ;  And  by 
means  of  the  Fishery,  a  considerable  European  Trade  is  carried 
on  from  Marblehead  and  elsewhere,  and  the  very  men  in  Boston, 
who  heretofore  supply'd  the  Fishery  and  Traders  is  at  Marblehead 
and  elsewhere,  now  buy  great  part  of  their  Supply  of  English 
goods  of  those,  to  whom,  but  a  very  few  Years  since  they  used  to 
Furnish  all  the  English  or  European  Goods  those  persons  had, 
but  it  is  however  a  considerable  Ease  to  the  Town  of  Boston  to 
observe,  that  although  so  much  of  their  Trade  and  Manufactures 
be  gone  from  them,  they  are  not  gone  out  of  the  Province. 

The  Town  would  humbly  pray  Liberty  further  to  observe,  that 
the  Excise  on  Tea,  Coffee  &ca.  in  a  charge  peculiarly  lying  on 
them,  where  almost  the  whole  of  the  Publick  Revenue  is  raised, 
out  of  the  easiest,  readiest,  and  cheapest  refreshment,  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  Boston,  can  take  in  a  Morning. 

They  Cannot  but  further  take  notice,  with  your  Honour's  leave, 
that  the  late  practice  of  Killing  the  Meat  used  in  the  Town  of 
Boston,  in  the  Town's  round  about  them,  has  greatly  thinned 
and  weakned  their  Inhabitants,  insomuch,  [296.]  That  Whereas 
heretofore  and  not  long  since,  this  Town  had  above  Thirty 
Butchers,  many  of  which  carried  on  very  large  Business ;  Those 


222  City  Document  No.  170. 

Town  Butchers  kill'd  much  of  the  small  meat,  and  all  the  large 
Beasts,  almost  without  a  single  Exception,  Whereas  now  Boston 
has  but  two  or  three  of  this  Occupation,  to  kill  either  great  or 
small  meat,  and  they  all  put  together,  clout  carry  on  so  much  Bus- 
iness, as  some  one  of  the  thirty  Butchers  did  formerly,  and  with 
these  Butchers,  the  Town  has  lost  in  a  great  measure,  the  Tann- 
ing, Currying  and  Shoemaking  Business,  in  which  they  formerly 
supply'd  themselves  and  much  of  the  Country,  but  now  have  uot 
enough  for  themselves,  but  receive  Hides,  Tallow,  Skins,  and  Shoes 
from  other  Towns. 

The  Town  of  Boston  would  beg  leave  finally  to  observe,  that 
great  Difficulty  has  risen  in  the  Commerce  of  the  Town,  by  the 
late  Change  of  the  Medium,  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston  would  by 
no  means  object  against  or  find  fault  with  the  Act  and  Order  of  the 
Great  and  General  Court,  but  how  necessary  and  wholsome  soever, 
this  might  be  to  the  Province  in  General,  it  is  most  certain,  that 
since  this  Change,  The  Town  of  Boston  has  almost  wholly,  lost 
their  Trade  to  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island. 

These  things  as  they  have  lessened  their  number  of  Rateable 
Inhabitants  about  a  Thousand,  from  between  three  and  four  Thou- 
sand, to  between  two  and  three  Thousand,  so  they  have  greatly 
increas'd  their  Poor  to  such  a  Degree,  that  the  Charge  of  the  Poor 
has  risen  from  a  Thousand  or  Fifteen  Hundred  Pounds,  to  Ten 
Thousand  Pounds  old  tenor,  in  but  a  short  time ;  Ten  Thousand 
Pounds  was  raised  last  Year  for  the  Poor,  &  this  Year  much  more 
will  be  wanting,  beside  private  Charity,  which  is  tho't  to  be  as 
much  or  more  than  the  Poor's  Tax. 

Upon  the  whole  Considering  how  much  our  numbers  are  lessened, 
the  great  Loss  and  Stagnation  of  Trade,  the  consequent  and 
necessary  increase  of  our  Poor,  the  universal  Distressing,  and  Ex- 
pensive Sickness,  the  Cost  of  which  only  [397.]  Must  this  Year 
be  much  above  an  hundred  Thousand  pounds  old  tenor,  The 
Town  humbly  pray  and  hope,  your  Honours  will  Compassionate 
their  Case,  and  make  them  some  Grant  out  of  the  Province  Treas- 
ury, Remit  or  Lessen  their  Tax,  or  some  other  way  grant  them  re- 
lief, as  to  your  Honours  great  Wisdom,  Equity  and  Goodness, 
shall  seem  meet,  and  your  Petitioners,  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  as  in  Duty  bound, 

Shall  ever  pray  &ca. 

Which  was  Read,  and  thereupon  It  was  Unanimously  Voted  that 
a  fair  Copy  of  said  Petition  be  prepar'd  &  Sign'd  by  the  Town 
Clerk,  and  that  said  Committee  present  the  same  to  the  Great  and 
General  Court  now  Sitting. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  ninth  day  of  March  last  to  draw 
up  Reasons  to  the  General  Court  why  the  Bridge  leading  over 
Neponsit  River  ought  not  to  be  declared  a  County  Bridge,  and 
maintain'd  by  the  County,  Inform'd  the  Town  that  they  had  drawn 
up  such  Reasons  as  they  Judg'd  proper,  and  presented  'em  to  the 
General  Court,  and  desired  Liberty  to  Read  a  Copy  of  said 
Reasons  given  in  to  the  General  Court,  which  were  Read,  Voted 

that  the  same  be  Enter'd  upon  the  Records  of  the  Town. the 

same  being  as  follows  Viz*. 


Boston  Town  Records,   1752.  223 

To  the  Honourable  Spencer  Phips  Esqr.  Lieu'.  Govr.  &  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  The  Honble.  the  Council,  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives  in  General   Court  Assembled  at  Cambridge  April  2d. 

1752. The  Answer  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  the  Petition  of 

the  Town  of  Dorchester,  praying  that  the  Bridge  over  Neponsit 
River,  near  the  Paper  Mill  may  be  the  Charge  of  the  County  of 
Suffolk, 

Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  your  Respondents  readily  acknowledge  the  said  Bridge  to 
be  of  great  use  &  benefit,  &  that  considerable  Repairs  are  now 
much  wanting,  But  they  apprehend  that  this  Bridge  ought  from 
time  to  time  to  be  built  and  repaired  by  the  Town  of  Dorchester 
&  Milton,  between  which  Towns  it  is  situate,  for  in  this  manner, 
[298.]  The  other  Bridges  in  this  County  and  thro,  the  Province 
are  generally  erected  and  maintain'd ;  Nor  can  we  find,  after  Dili- 
gent enquiry,  that  any  Bridge  in  any  other  County,  thro,  the 
whole  Province,  is  or  has  been  built  or  repaired  at  the  Charge  of 
the  County. 

The  Building  and  maintaining  Bridges  over  the  Water  in  Rivers, 
is  very  much  of  the  same  nature  and  for  the  same  purpose  of 
accommodating  Travellers  and  other  passengers,  as  the  putting  in 
order  and  repairing  highways  upon  the  Land,  and  by  the  General 
usage  of  the  several  Towns  thro,  the  Province,  are  at  the  Charge 
of  each  Town,  where  such  highways  and  Bridges,  are,  and  if  this 
b>e  reasonable  in  General,  it  is  peculiarly  so,  as  to  this  particular 
bridge,  for  it  is  between  the  two  considerable  Towns  of  Dorchester 
a,nd  Milton,  &  therefore  as  the  Cost  is  divided,  it  cannot  ly  heavy 
upon  them  especially,  if  we  remember  the  advantage  of  such  a 
number  and  variety  of  Mills,  such  a  plenty  of  Fish  &  such  con- 
venient water  carriage  to  and  from  Market  as  they  are  accom- 
modated with,  by  the  River,  this  Bridge  Crosses. 

Your  Respondents  would  beg  leave,  humbly  to  observe  that  the 
Town  of  Boston  is  at  much  more  Charge  in  proportion  to  their 
Numbers,  as  to  Bridges,  Causways  and  Streets  or  highways,  than 
the  Towns  of  Dorchester  or  Milton  ;  the  Cost  of  the  Draw  Bridge, 
the  Bridge  in  Middle  street  and  the  long  and  difficult  Causways 
over  the  Neck  with  the  paving  and  Repairs  of  other  Streets,  is  out 
of  all  proportion  beyond  the  Charge  of  Dorchester  and  Milton  as 
to  this  and  all  other  Bridges  and  Highways  in  those  Towns,  and 
the  Case  seems  to  be  considerably  the  same  with  most  if  not  all 
the  other  Towns  in  the  County  of  Suffolk ;  It  will  be  found  by  a 
strict  Observation  and  Comparison  that  scarce  any  Town  in  the 
County  have  so  little  Charge  lying  on  them  in  proportion  to  their 
Circumstances,  as  the  two  Towns  of  Dorchester  and  Milton,  with- 
out considering  their  advantage  of  Mills,  Fish,  and  Water  Carriage 
to  Market,  as  abovementioned.  [299.]  It  is  probable,  that  it 
will  be  alledg'd,  that  this  Bridge  has  been  a  Charge  to  the  County, 
&  it  cannot  be  deny'd  ;  Bnt  it  was  not  built  at  first  by  the  County, 
but  b}T  the  Towns  of  Dorchester  and  Milton,  with  the  Assistance 
of  some  particular  Men  ;  when  or  how  it  came  to  be  a  Charge  to 
the  County  is  more  easy  to  Guess  than  to  Affirm  ;  But  Certain  it 
is,  that  for  Sixty  Years  past  it  could  not  legally  be  made  a  Charge 


224  City  Document  No.  170. 

to  the  County ;  For  the  Law  has  given  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace  no  such  power,  and  if  there  was  any  such  power 
under  the  former  Constitutation,  the  present  Legislature's  taking  it 
away,  or  not  renewing  it  is  a  sufficient  Intimation  that  it  ought  not 
to  Exercised  and  it  seems  high  time  now,  to  observe  the  Direction. 

It  is  also  objected,  that  this  Bridge  is  not  of  such  peculiar 
Service  to  Dorchester,  being  at  the  extremity  of  the  Town  were  the 
Inhabitants  more  seldom  pass,  but  your  Honours  will  Consider  that 
this  is  the  Case  of  many  other  bridges  which  yet  other  Towns 
Erect  and  Repair,  &  Dorchester  Inhabitants  when  they  have  occa- 
sion pass  over  them,  &  no  reason  can  possably  be  given  why  other 
Towns  should  provide  Bridges  and  keep  them  in  repair,  Circum- 
stanced as  this  Bridge  is,  for  Dorchester  Inhabitants,  and  the 
Town  of  Dorchester  not  be  obliged  to  provide  in  the  same  manner 
for  the  Inhabitants  of  those  other  Towns. 

Upon  the  whole,  The  Town  of  Boston  humbly  begs  your  Honour's 
leave  to  move,  that  as  it  appears  to  be  neither  Legal  nor  equitable, 
that  the  County  should  be  charg'd  with  the  repairs  of  this  Bridge  ; 
That  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Dorchester  may  be  Dismiss'd, 
and  the  Towns  of  Dorchester  and  Milton  be  obliged  to  repair  their 
Bridges,  and  keep  them  always  in  good  order  as  other  Towns,  much 
less  able  are  necessitated  to  do. 

And  your  Respondents  shall  ever  pray  &ca. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  made  the  twelfth  Instant  on  the 
proposals  of  Dr.  Sylvester  Gardiner  for  taking  a  Lease  of  the 
Marsh  Lands  at  the  Bottom  of  the  Common  was  now  Read  again, 
and  after  a  short  Debate  thereon  [300.]  It  was  Voted  that  said 
Report  be  and  hereby  is  accepted. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  or  a  Major  part  of  them  be  and 
they  hereby  are  Impowered  to  Execute  Leases  to  said  Sylvester 
Gardiner  of  such  part  of  the  Marsh  and  Lands  at  the  Bottom  of 
the  Common  as  are  particularly  mention'd  and  bounded  in  said 
Report,  &  upon  the  same  Terms  mention'd  in  said  Report,  and  in 
case  said  Gardner  shall  refuse  to  Accept  thereof  on  those  Terms, 
Voted  that  said  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  Impowered  to 
Lease  out  the  said  Lands  for  the  same  Term,  to  any  other  person 
or  persons  that  will  Accept  thereof  upon  the  Terms  aforesaid. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
the  HonbIe.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 
transacting  the  Affairs  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  Qualified  &  duly  warned  in  Publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  twenty  eighth 
day  of  August  A.D.  1752. 

The  Warrant  For  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  was  Chose  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Business  of  this  Meeting 
mentioned  in  the  Warrant  Viz'."  Whether  Faneuil  Hall  Market 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1753.  225 

shall  be  now  open'd,  or  Continue  shut  up,"  and  after  a  long  Debate 
thereon,  It  was  Moved  [301.]  And  Seconded  by  many,  That  the 
following  Question  may  be  put,  viz'.  "  In  what  manner  the  Town 
will  Determine  whether  Faneuil  Hall  Market  should  be  now  open'd 
or  Continue  Shut  up,"  and  the  same  being  put  to  the  Town  It  was 
thereupon  Voted,  That  it  be  determin'd  by  a  written  Vote,  and  that 
such  of  the  Inhabitants  as  are  for  opening  said  Market  write,  Yea, 
and  such  as  are  against  it  write,  Nay,  and  thereupon  the  Inhabit- 
ants were  directed  by  the  Moderator  to  withdraw  and  bring  in  their 
Votes  in  that  Manner,  and  the  Votes  being  accordingly  brought  in 
&  Sorted,  it  appeared  that  the  Numbers  of  Voters  were  231.  and 
that  there  were  102  Yea's,  &  129  Nays. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes,  for  two  Firewards 
and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared  that 

Mr.  Thomas  Jackson  junr.  & 

Mr.  Newman  Greenough,  were  chose. 

Then  the  meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  twelfth 
day  of  March  Anno  Dom.  1753. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Sewall. 
The  "Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

Sundry   Laws Read 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Mhderator  by  a  written 
Vote,  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  appeared  that 
the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  was  chose. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  chose,  Town  Clerk  for  the  ensuing  year 
and  was  sworn  into  that  Office  by  the  Honble.  Jacob  "Wendell  Esqr. 
having  also  taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the  22d.  Year 
[302.]  Of  his  present  Majesty,  relating  to  paying  and  receiving- 
Bills  of  the  other  Governments. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen, 
and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted,  it  appeared  that, 
Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
John  Steel  Esq1-. 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr. 
Cap'.  Joseph  Jackson 
Mr.  Joseph  Green,  were  chose. 
M1.  Joseph  Green  chose  a  Selectmen,  refuses  to  Serve. 
The  Petition  of  many  Inhabitants  praying  that  the  Town  will 
determine  upon  a  certain  hour,  when  they  will  take  into  Considera- 
tion the  Sum  to  be  rais'd  for  defreying  their  publick  Charges  ;  Also 
that  for  the  future  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  annually  Exhibit  to 
the  Town,  a  List  of  the  names  of  such  persons  as  receive  any  part 
of  the  Towns  moneys,  or  any  Support  from  them ;  and  that  the 
Committee   who   shall    be   chose   to  Audit  the  Accompts  of   the 
Selectmen,    Overseers   of  the  Poor  and  Town  Treasurer,  be  ex- 
pressly directed  and  impowered  to  Inspect  every  particular  account 


226  City  Document  No.  170, 

of  the  moneys  Expended  for  the  use  of  the  Almshouse,  and  every 
other  Branch  of  the  publick  Charges,  and  that  the  same  be  printed, 
that  so  those  who  pay  the  Taxes  may  see  how  the  extraordinary 
charge  of  the  Town  arises  Was  read  —  And  after  a  long  Debate 
thereon,  the  following  Question  was  put  "  Whether  the  Prayer  of 
the  Petition  should  be  granted?"  and  it  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 
Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  three  o'Clock  in  the 
afternoon. 

Monday  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 
[303.]     Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Se- 
lectman in  the  room  of  Mr.  Joseph  Green  who  refuses  to  Serve, 
and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  appeared  that, 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing,  was  chose. 
The  Hon0.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Col0.   John  Hill 

The  Hon°.  Tho8.  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Dan1.  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
The  Hon0.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Cap'.  Ebenr.  Storer 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
Mr.  Joseph  Sherburne 
Mr.  John  Tudor 
were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  Voted  unanimously 
that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to  the 
Gentn.  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  last  Year,  for  their  good 
Services  done  the  Town. 

Mr.  David  Jeffries  was  chose  Town  Treasurer,  and  took  the  Oath 
required  by  the  Act  of  the  22d.  of  his  present  Majesty,  relating 
to  receiving  or  paying  Bills  of  the  other  Governments,  and  also 
took  an  Oath  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Duty  in  that  Office. 
Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  Choose  Twelve  Constables 
distinct  from  the  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Voted  that  any  Person  that  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of  a 
Constable  for  the  year  ensuing,  be  Excus'd  from  Serving  provided 
he  pay  into  the  Town  Treasury  Three  Pounds  lawful  money. 
Constables   [In  margin] 

Mess".  William  Davis Pay 

Benj.  Davis Pay 

Willm.  Mitchell  . misnam'd 

Henderson  Inches Pay 

Sam1.  Waterhouse Excus'd 

Joseph  Tyler Pay 

James  Eichardson Pay 

James  Boies Excus'd 

John  Coburn Pay 

John  Cotton Pay 

Andw.  Oliver  junr Pay 

John  Dupee Excus'd 


Boston  Town  Records,   1753.  227 

[304.]  Col°.  John  Hill 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Cap*.  John  Carries 
Cap4.  Joseph  Jackson 
Cap*.  Isaac  Freeman 
Mr.  John  Scollay 
Mr.  John  Tudor 
Mr.  Eoyal  Tyler 
Mr.  Newman  Greenough 
Mr.  Thomas  Jackson  junr. 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Thwing 
Mr.  Hopestill  Foster 
Were  chose  Firewards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Affair  of  opening  Faneuil  Hall  Market  be  taken 
into  Consideration  tomorrow  at  Eleven  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Voted  that  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  at  the  Southerly  end 
of  the  Town,  praying  that  a  Water  Engine  may  be  provided  and 
assigned  for  them,  and  that  the  Bell  at  Mr.  Byles's  Meeting  house 
ma}*  be  rung  as  heretofore,  be  taken  into  Consideration  as  soon  as 
the  Affair  of  opening  the  Market  is  determin'd. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  till  tomorrow  morning  at 
9  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Tuesday  morning  the  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 
Voted  that  Fancis  Borland  &  John  Wheelwright  Esq".  Mr. 
William  Cooper,  Mr.  Harrison  Gray  &  Mr.  Thomas  Oxnard  be 
and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Accompts 
of  Mr.  David  Jeffries,  Treasurer  of  the  Town,  &  also  the  Accompts 
of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  &  the  said  Committee  are  hereby 
directed  and  Impowered  to  Inspect  every  particular  Account  of 
the  moneys  expended  for  the  use  of  the  Almshouse  and  every 
other  Branch  of  the  publick  Charges,  &  they  are  desired  to  make 
Report  thereon  as  soon  as  they  have  done  the  same. 

Mr.  John  Gray 
was  chose  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
[305.]     Mess".  Robert  Ford 

Cap*.  Isaac  White 
Andrew  Symmes 
John  Grant 
Benja.  Andrews 
William  Nichols 
Clement  Collins 

Isaac  Vergoose Sworn 

William  Paine 
John  Greenough 
Joseph  Butler 
Moses  Eayres 
were    Chosen   Viewers  of   Boards,    Shingles,   &c.    for   the   Year 
ensuing. 

Mess".  John  Hiller 

Benja.  Ballard 
Edward  Potter 
Isaac  Towle 


228  City  Document  No.  170. 

Robert  Treat 
Samuel  Treat 
Joseph  Dyre 
Benf.  Sault 
John  Hobbs 
Jona.  Jenkins 
were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  &c.  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  Augustus  Hail 
Neal  Mc.  in  tire 
Nath1.  Bird 

William  Wheeler  (Set  work  Cooper) 
were  Chosen  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Jacob  Parker 

Nathaniel  Barber 
William  Fairfield 
Peter  Oliver 
John  Kneeland 
Samuel  Edwards 
Benjamin  Church 
were  Chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing 
[306.]     Messrs.  Moses  Deshon 
Richard  Billings 
Joshua  Bently 
Ebenezer  Simpson 
Jacob  Holyoke 
Thomas  Sherburne 
Bartholomew  Gedney 
Ephraim  Copeland 
Timothy  Newell 
William  Torrey 
Samuel  Adams 
Thomas  Snow 
were  Chosen  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Caleb  Ray 

William  Moore 
Onesiphorus  Tilestone 
Samuel  Warden 
James  Tileston 
Samuel  Ruggles 
were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  Samuel  Hastings 
Josiah  Carter 
John  Allen 
Nathaniel  Hodgdon 
William  Currier 
Ebenezer  Wallis 
were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  David  Colson  junr. 
Nathaniel  Gardner 
were  Chosen  Informers  about  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.   Joseph   Curtis,    was   Chosen   Hayward    for   the  Year  en- 
suing. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1753.  229 

The  Selectmen  were  Chosen  Surveyors  of  High  Ways  for  the 
Tear  ensuing. 

Mess".  David  Cutler 
Thomas  Foster 
were  Chosen  Assay  masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[307.]     Messrs.  Jonathan  Amory Excus'd. 

John  Amory Pay 

John  Bridge  Serv'd  last  Year  so  .     Excus'd. 

Samuel  Phillips Pay 

Arnold  Welles Pay 

Edward  Scott Pay 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  John  Wendell  Tert3.  was  Chosen  a  Constable  for  the  Year 

ensuing Sworn. 

Mess".  Joseph  Jackson 
John  Scollay 
Thomas  Greene 
were  Chosen  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give  all 
needful  Directions  to  the  keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the 
Quantitys  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  and  settling  the  Price  thereof  from 
time  to  time  as  Occasion  may  require. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  for  Opening  Faneuil  Hall 
Market  was  taken  into  Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon Voted  That  the  said  Market  be  now  Opened  accord- 
ingly. Also  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are 
directed  to  Lease  the  Stalls  in  Faneuil  Hall  Market  to  such 
Persons  only  as  will  bring  in  for  Sale  here  at  a  reasonable  Price, 
the  Hides  and  Tallow  of  all  such  Cattle  as  they  shall  kill,  and  that 
they  give  Security  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  their  so 
doing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Moses  Deshon  be  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall 
Market,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Abraham  Rogers     ....     Sworn. 
William  Boardman  ....     Pay 
Thomas  Maccarty    ....     Pay 
Abraham  Savage     ....     Excus'd 

Joseph  Man Pay 

Jeremiah  Belknap    .     refuses  to  Serve  or  Pay. 
Edward  Lad  Sanders    .     .     .     Sworn 
James  Mc.millian     ....     Excus'd. 
were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
[308.]     Mess".  William  Gray 
John  Gore 
Daniel  Oliver 
Jonathan  Mason 
Cornelius  Thayer 
John  Morley 
Charles  Deming 
John  Leverett 
Isaac  Cazneau 
Andrew  Oliver  Jeweller 


230  City  Document  No.  170. 

Josiah  Waters 
William  Homes 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  Christopher  Banks     .     .     .     Excus'd 

Henry  Snow Excus'd. 

John  Griffith Excus'd 

James  Bailey Excus'd 

Thomas  Mitchell  ....     Pay 

Edward  Davis Excus'd. 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmen's  Report  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  John  Fenno, 
keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  as  Entred  in  his  Book 
(and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerk's  Office)  Read  and  Voted,  That 
the  same  be  Accepted,  &  accordingly  that  Mr.  Fenno  be  farther 
Accountable  to  the  Town  for  One  hundred  &  Seventy  four  bushels 
of  Indian  Corn,  and  thirty  bushels  Rye  am0,  to  Thirty  Seven 
pounds  eighteen  Shillings  &  four  pence  three  farthings,  &  also  for 
the  Sum  of  Three  hundred  &  Sixty  three  pounds  fifteen  Shillings 
&  nine  pence  half  penny  Cash,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum 
of  Four  hundred  &  one  pounds  fourteen  Shillings  &  two  pence  one 
farthing,  lawful  money,  exclusive  of  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Six 
pounds  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  pence,  for  his  Salary  and  Assist- 
ance, which  is  charg'd  in  said  Accompt,  &  hereby  allowed  him. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  at  the  Southerly  part  of  the 
Town  praying  that  a  Water  Engine  may  be  provided  and  Assign'd 
for  them,  and  that  the  Bell  at  the  Revd.  Mr.  Byles's  Meeting  house 
may  be  Rung  at  such  hours  as  shall  be  judg'd  necessary,  was  Read 

&  taken  into  Consideration  and  after  some  [309.]  Debate 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed 
to  provide  a  good  Water  Engine  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  and 
keep  it  in  such  a  place  at  the  Southerly  part  thereof  as  will  best 
Accommodate  the  Inhabitants  living  there,  and  that  a  Master  for 
said  Engine,  and  such  a  Number  of  other  Persons  be  appointed, 
by  the  Selectmen  to  take  the  Care  and  Charge  of  said  Engine,  as 
they  shall  judge  necessary. 

Also  Voted  That  the  Bell  at  the  Revd.  Mr.  Byles's  Meetinghouse 
be  for  the  future  Rung  at  such  hours,  as  the  Selectmen  shall  direct 
and  think  necessary. 

Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  Impowered 
to  Sit  upon  the  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  Day  of  May  next 
and  no  longer,  saving  that  they  have  Liberty  to  Sit  the  two  last 
weeks  in  November  next  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  Persons, 
as  shall  appear  to  them  to  have  Died,  or  been  out  of  Town,  and 
so  could  not  have  made  Application  to  them  before  the  said  first 
Day  of  May. 

Also  Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed 
and  required  to  begin  to  Sit  and  make  the  Taxes  of  the  current 
Year  the  first  Week  in  September  next,  and  so  continue  sitting  de 
Die  in  Diem,  until  they  have  Compleated  the  same,  Provided  they 
shall  then  have  receiv'd  the  Warrants  from  the  Province  Treasurer, 
and  from  the  Court  of  Sessions  for  the  Province  and  County  Tax. 
The  Petition  of  Abiah  Holbrook  Master  of  the  South  Writing 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1753.  231 

School  praying  for  Additional  Assistance  in  Instructing  the 
Scholars,  and  that  an  Allowance  may  be  made  him  for  Supplying 
them  with  Ink,  was  taken  into  Consideration,  and  thereupon  it  was 
Voted,  that 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene 
Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esqr.  and 
Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  said  Peti- 
tion into  Consideration,  and  Report  to  the  Town  what  they  think 
necessary  to  be  done  thereupon,  and  said  Committee  are  [310.] 
Also  desired  to  Consider  in  what  place  it  will  be  most  convenient 
for  the  Town  to  Erect  another  Writing  School  for  the  better  Edu- 
cation and  Accomodation  of  Children,  and  Report  thereupon. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded. 

It  was  Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Tudor,  Mr.  John  Ruddock  Mr. 
Samuel  Adams,  Foster  Hutchinson  Esqr.  Mr.  Harrison  Gray,  Mr. 
Oxenbridge  Thacher,  and  Mr.  William  Cooper,  or  the  Major  part 
of  them,  be'  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Visit 
the  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing  at  such  times 
as  they  shall  think  proper,  to  See  what  Number  of  Children  are  in 
each  School,  to  Enquire  into  their  behaviour  and  Attendance,  and 
the  Government  and  Regulation  they  are  under,  and  they  are  de- 
sired to  make  Report  hereon  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in 
March  next. 

Tything-men     Nothing  done  thereon. 

The  Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  being  brought  in  were  Sealed 
up  by  Constable  Wendell,  to  be  by  him  kept  and  return'cl  to  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  in  April  next. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  they  are  directed  to 
Provide  and  Maintain  Three  Bulls  to  go  on  the  Common  at  the 
Expence  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  be  &  hereby  is  Allowed 
to  be  paid  to  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all 
such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect,  Provided  they  pay  unto  the  Town 
Treasurer,  One  half  part  of  the  whole  Sum  they  are  Obliged  to  pay 
him  within  four  Months  from  the  time  they  receive  the  Tax  Books 
from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  Three  Months  after, 
and  also  pay  to  the  [311.]  Province  and  County  Treasurers,  one 
half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  they  shall  be  Oblig'd  to  pay  them  re- 
spectively in  Seven  Months  from  the  Time  they  shall  receive  the  Tax 
Books  from  the  Assessors,  as  aforesaid,  and  the  other  half  part 
in  Five  Months  after,  and  in  case  either  of  the  said  Collectors  shall 
fail  paying  the  Treasurers  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  the  Collector  so 
failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  aforesaid  Allowance  of  Twelve 
pence  on  the  Pound,  but  wholly  forfeit  the  same.  Provided  also 
that  each  of  Said  Collectors  give  Bond  with  sufficient  Sureties  to 


232  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  Satisfaction  of   the  Selectmen  for  the  faithful  Discharge   of 
their  Duty  in  said  Office,  and  Complying  with  this  Vote. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Six  Collectors 

of  Taxes the  Votes  being  brought  in  it  appeared  that 

Mess™.  John  Ruddock 

Joseph  Russell 

Hopestill  Foster 

Thomas  Downe  junr. 

James  Scntt  and 

Jonathan  Payson 
were  chose 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz1.  What  Application  is  necessary 
to  be  made  to  the  General  Court,  that  the  Town  may  be  "  Abated 
such  Taxes  as  have  been  usually  paid  by  those  of  its  Inhabitants 
that  the  last  Summer  remov'd  into  the  Countrey  Towns  to  avoid 
the  Small  pox  and  paid  Taxes  there  ",  was  taken  into  Considera- 
tion, and  thereupon  it  was  Voted  that 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr. 

Abiel  Walley  Esqr. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 

Mr.  William  Cooper,  and 

Mr.  Thomas  Greene, 
be  and  they   hereby  are  appointed   a  Committee   to  prepare  the 
Draft  of  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court  thereupon,  and  Report 
the  same  to  the  Town  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  David  Wheeler  praying  that  the  Town  would 
Sell  or  Lease  to  him  the  Pond  at  the  South  End  called  Wheeler's 
[313.]  Pond,  was  Read,  and  thereupon  Voted,  That  the  Town 
Clerk  be  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  look  into  the  Deed  or  Grant 
of  said  Pond  made  by  Gyles  Dyer  Esqr.  to  the  Town  and  Report 
at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  upon  what  Conditions  it  was 
granted. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider  of  some  Method  for  raising 
Moneys  to  pay  the  Heirs  of  Mr.  John  Dolbeare  Deced,  —  for  the 
Brick  house  he  built  on  the  Towns  Lands  near  the  Dock,  agreeable 
to  the  Lease  thereof  formerly  made  him,  and  now  expir'd,  and 
after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they 
hereby  are  impowered  to  Advertise  the  Leasing  of  said  Lands, 
receive  proposals  concerning  the  same,  and  make  Report  thereof 
to  the  Town  at  their  General  Meeting  in  May  next,  that  so  the 
Town  may  Act  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourn'd  to  Friday 
the  23d.  instant,  at  Nine  o'Clock  in  the  Forenoon. 

Friday  the  23d.  of  March  1753.  the  Town  met  according  to  their 
Adjournment. 

Mr.  Moses  Deshon  inform'd  the  Town  that  he  was  Chose  Clerk 
of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  but  that  his  Business  will  not  allow  him  to 
Serve  in  that  Office  &  desired  to  be  Excus'd. 
Voted,  That  he  be  Excus'd  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  raising  Money  for  the  defreying 
the  Publick  Expences  be  refer'd  to  the  General  Town  Meeting  in 
May  next,  and  that  the  Town  then  Determine  upon  a  certain  hour 


Boston  Town  Records,  1753.  233 

when  they  will  raise  the  same — Also  Voted  that  the  making 
Grants  to  any  Person  in  the  Service  of  the  Town  be  refer'd  to  said 
JVlay  Meeting. 

Messr8.  Alexander  Leblond Sworn 

Daniel  Bass Sworn 

Sanderson  West Sworn 

Daniel  Eveleth Excus'd 

Samuel  Trott Sworn 

Robert  Williams Sworn 

John  Bridge Sworn 

chosen  constables 

[313.]   Samuel  Haley Sworn 

Samuel  Ridgaway  junr Sworn 

Joseph  Candish Excus'd 

John  Edwards Excus'd 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  John  Pattin  was  Chosen  a  Constable  .  .  .  Sworn. 
The  Committee  appointed  the  13th.  instant,  to  Visit  the  Publick 
Schools,  See  the  number  of  Children  in  each  School ;  Enquire  into 
their  behaviour  and  Attendance  &c.  appeared  and  pray'd  they 
might  be  Excus'd  from  that  Service,  Whereupon  It  was  Voted  That 
said  Committee  be  Excus'd  from  tbat  Service  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  &  they  hereby  are  desired  to  Visit 
the  Publick  Schools  more  frequently  than  has  been  hitherto 
Practic'd  and  Enquire  into  the  behaviour  of  the  Scholars  and  the 
Government  and  Regulation  they  are  under,  and  give  such  Direc- 
tions to  the  Masters  of  Said  Schools  concerning  them,  as  they 
shall  judge  needful. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  13th.  instant,  on  the  Petition  of 
Mr.  Abiah  Holbrook  Master  of  the  South  Writing  School,  now 
Reported,  That  the}-  had  taken  the  same  into  Consideration,  and 
were  of  Opinion  that  Two  Hundred  and  Ninety  Six  Scholars  are 
too  many  for  any  School  even,  if  there  were  three  Persons  appointed 
to  have  the  Instruction  and  Government  of  it,  and  thereupon  Re- 
ported that  it  would  not  be  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  to  place 
another  Usher  there,  but  rather  to  determine  on  some  other  part 
of  the  Town  for  another  School,  which  will  undoubtedly  have  a 

tendency  to  lessen  this And  as  it  would  be  much  for  the  Ease 

of  the  Master  as  well  as  benefit  of  the  Scholars,  constantly  to  have 
good  Stationers  Ink  in  Use  they  further  Report  that  the  said 
Masters  have  Liberty  to  find  the  same  at  the  Charge  of  the  Town, 
provided  he  will  do  it  for  Four  Pounds  p  Annum. 

The  Committee  have  likewise  viewed  several  parts  of  the  Town 
represented  to  them  as  suitable  to  Erect  another  School-house 
upon,  As  also  the  School  house  that  Mr.  Holyoke  now  keeps,  and 
finding  the  same  will  Admit  of  an  Addition  of  about  Twenty  four 
[314.]  Feet,  which  when  done  will  be  as  large  as  the  South 
Writing  School  in  the  Common,  and  will  conveniently  hold  Two 
Hundred  Scholars  (a  Number  in  the  Committee's  Opinion  full 
enough  for  any  two  Persons  to  have  the  Care  of)  and  as  this 
Addition  may  be  made  for  about  One  Hundred  and  Twenty  Pounds, 
they  Report  that  at  this  time  it  is  the  best  thing  for  the  Ease  and 


234  City  Document  No.  170. 

benefit  of  the  Town  that  such  an  Addition  be  made  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

And    after    some   Debate  thereon A    Question    was    put,, 

Whether  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  it  pass'd  in  the  Affirma- 
tive. 

Also  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  and 
Impowered  to  Enlarge  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  as  soon 
as  may  be,  in  the  manner  mentioned  in  the  said  Report. 

Also  Voted,  That  Mr.  Abiah  Holbrook  provide  the  Scholars 
under  his  Care  with  Ink  as  he  requests  in  his  Petition,  provided  he 
will  do  it  for  Four  Pounds  Lawful  Money  a  Year. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th  instant  to  prepare  a  Draft  of 
a  Petition  to  the  General  Court,  "  that  the  Town  maybe  abated  such 
Taxes  as  have  been  usually  paid  by  those  of  its  Inhabitants  that 
the  last  Summer  removed  into  the  Countrey  Towns  to  avoid  the 
Small  Pox  and  paid  Taxes  there  "  Reported  a  Draft  they  had  pre- 
pared,   and    after   some   Debate  thereon It  was   Mov'd   and 

accordingly  Voted  That  the  Power  of  said  Committee  be  Enlarg'd 
and  that  they  not  only  Consider  of  the  particular  Affair  above 
mentioned,  but  also  that  they  take  into  Consideration  the  present 
distressing  state  and  Circumstances  of  the  Town  on  every  Account, 
and  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court,  therein 
representing  the  same  in  as  full  and  particular  a  manner  as  may 
be,  praying  for  Relief  &c.  and  make  Report  of  said  Draft  to  the 

Town    at   their   General  Meeting   in   May  next Also  Voted 

That  Dr.  William  Clark  be  Added  to  said  Committee  for  the  pur- 
poses aforesaid. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  Unanimously  Voted, 
That  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  give  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  [315.] 
Or  Assembly  of  this  Province  at  their  next  Sessions,  for  their 
great  Goodness  in  making  a  Grant  of  Six  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful 
Money,  for  the  Relief  of  such  poor  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  as 
were  the  last  Summer  visited  with  the  Small  Pox. 

The  Petition  of  David  Wheeler,  praying  that  the  Town  would 
Sell  or  Lease  to  him  the  Pond  at  the  South  End  called  Wheeler's 
Pond,  was  Read,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  said  Petition  be  Dismiss'd. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Town,  that  part  of  their  Land  near 
and  about  Wheeler's  Pond  is  greatly  Encroached  upon,  and  by 
some  Persons  bordering  thereon  taken  into,  their  own  Lands. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  En- 
quire into  such  Encroachments,  and  remove  the  same,  and  Settle 
and  Stake  out  the  Bounds  of  the  Towns  Lands  there  that  so  it 
may  for  the  future  be  known  how  far  the  same  extend. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Dr.  William  Clark  &  Seconded  by 
several  of  the  Inhabitants,  that  the  Town  would  Give  or  Lend  to 
the  Linnen  Manufactory  Company  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Hundred 
and  Ninety  One  Pounds. 

Old  tenor  Bills  of  the  Neighbouring  Governments,  which  for  a 
considerable  time  past,  has  lain  useless  in  the  Treasury,"  and 
after  some  Debate  thereon A  Question  was  put,  Whether  the 


Boston  Town  Records,   1753.  235 

Town  will  now  proceed  to  Act  on  said  Motion?  And  it  pass'd  in 
the  Affirmative.  And  then  another  Question  was  put,  Whether 
the  Town  are  willing  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries  should  Lend  the 
aforesaid  Moneys  to  said  Company  to  be  improv'd  by  them  for  the 
Benefit  thereof,  until  the  Town  should  call  for  the  same?  And  it 
pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Mr.  Abijah  Adams  was  Chose  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Report  of  a  Committee 
(appointed  the  12th.  of  March  last)  on  the  Petition  of  Isaac  Dupee 
Solomon  Kneeland  and  others  made  at  the  Town  Meeting  in 
[316.]  May  last,  and  there  Recorded  at  large,  and  which  was 
refer'd  over  to  this  time,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  said  Report  be  and  hereby  is  Accepted.  Also 
Voted,  That  Mr.  William  Fairfield,  Mr.  Thomas  Greene  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Calef  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  and 
fully  Authorized  and  Impowered  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to 
join  with  the  Petitioners  and  any  other  Persons  that  Claim  any 
Right  or  Interest  in  the  Lands  mentioned  in  said  Petition,  in  re- 
ferring their  respective  Claims  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  by  them 
mutually  Chose,  and  said  Committee  are  also  Impowered  to  Sign 
&  Execute  such  Bonds  as  may  be  judg'd  necessary  to  Oblige  the 
Town  to  Abide  by  the  Award  or  Determination  of  said  Referees 
or  a  Major  part  of  them  provided  the  other  Parties  also  give  suffi- 
cient Security  for  Abiding  by  such  Determination,  and  whatsoever 
said  Committee  shall  do  or  cause  to  be  done  in  the  Premisses,  the 
Town  hereby  Promise  to  Ratify  &  Confirm. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  of  March  last,  to  Audit  the 
Accompts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries  now  Reported  that  they  had 
Attended  that  Service  and  find  the  same  right  Cast  and  well 
vouch'd ;  and  the  said  Treasurer  charges  himself  with  sundry 
Fines  receiv'd  from  Justices  of  the  Peace,  with  the  Rents  and 
Incomes  of  the  Town  and  with  the  Taxes  committed  to  the  Col- 
lectors, Amounting  in  all  to  £8465,,  18,,  7,,  And  the  said  Treas- 
urer discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abatements  made  the  Collectors, 
by  what  he  has  already  paid  of  the  Selectmens  and  Overseers 
Drafts,  and  by  what  remains  unpaid  of  said  Drafts  &c.  Amounting 

in  all  to  £4374,,  15,,  10f By  which  it  appears  that  when  all 

the  Taxes  Rents  &c.  are  paid  in,  the  Ballance  will  be  Forty  hun- 
dred and  Ninety  One  Pounds  Two  Shillings  and  Eight  pence 
farthing,  which  the  said  Treasurer  is  further  to  Account  for,  as 
appears  by  the  Tryal  Ballance  of  said  Accompt  given  in  by  said 
Committee  and  on  File,  which  Report  and  Accompt  being  Read 
Voted  That  the  said  Report  be  and  hereby  is  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  all  the  Business  and  Affairs  of  this  Meeting 
[317.]  That  still  remain  unfinish'd,  be  refer'd  over  to  the  Gen- 
eral Meeting  of  the  Town  in  May  next,  to  be  then  Considered  of 
and  Acted  upon. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator,  for  Managing  the 
Affairs  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


236  City  Document  No.  170. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the- 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualify 'd  and  lawfully  warn'd  in  publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Tuesday  the  15th. 
day  of  May  A.D.  1753. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

John  Steel  Esqr.  One  of  the  Selectmen  propos'd  in  their  name 
to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Person 
or  Persons  to  represent  them  in  a  Great  and  General  Court  oi 
Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the  Thirtieth 
Day  of  May  instant,  and  in  Order  thereto,  to  Consider  and  Ascer- 
tain the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly  it  was 
Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives  and  it 
was  then  declar'd  that  the  Poll  be  clos'd  at  Twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  445.  and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gen- 
tlemen wei'e  Chose. Viz'. 

Votes 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr 411. 

James  Allen  Esqr 282. 

Samuel  Welles  Esq1 266. 

Mr.  James  Bowdoin 249. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same 
declar'd  by  the  Selectmen. 

[318.]  The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for 
a  Moderator,  and  upon  Sorting  'em,  it  appeared  that  the  Honble. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  was  Chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  One 
Selectman  in  the  room  of  Thomas  Hancock  Esq1,  who  declines 
Serving,  and  upon  sorting  'em,  it  appeared  that  Mr.  Samuel 
Hewes  was  chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

The  Petition  of  Henry  Atkins,  Ezekiel  Goldthwait,  James  Pitts, 
John  Rowe,  Thomas  Goldthwait,  Nathaniel  Holmes  John  Baker 
and  Thomas  Mitchell,  setting  forth,  that  they  have  Purchased  a 
Tract  of  Land  in  the  Township  of  Chelsea  at  a  place  called  Pullin 
point  for  Carrying  on  the  Fishery  there,  praying  the  Town  will 
Lease  to  them  Deer  Island  (which  belongs  to  the  Town)  for  such 
a  Time  and  on  such  Terms  as  the  Town  shall  judge  proper,  for 
the  better  Enabling  the  Petitioners  to  carry  on  said  Fishery,  said 
Lease  to  Commence  upon  the  Expiration  of  the  Lease  made  by  the 

Town  to  Mr.  Henry  Lloyd,  was  now  Read  and  Considered  of 

and  after  some  Debate  thereon It  was  Voted  That  the  Prayer 

of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they 
hereby  are  fully  Authorized  and  Impowered  to  give  and  Execute 
a  Lease  of  said  Island,  and  the  Appurtenances  thereof  unto  the 
said  Petitioners  and  their  Heirs  &c.  they  to  hold  the  same  for  the 
term  of  Seven  Years  at  the  Rent  of  Twenty  Shillings  p  Annum, 
provided  there  is  Yearly  and  every  Year  during  that  time  Twenty 
Vessels  belonging  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston  Employed  in  the 
Fishery  at  said  Pullin  point,  and  that  upon  Failure  thereof  said 
Lease  shall   be  then   void,  and  said   Island  and   Appurtenances 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1753.  237 

revert  to  the  Town,  as  tho'  said  Lease  had  never  been  made,  the 
Petitioners  keeping  said  Lands  in  good  heart,  and  keep  the  Build- 
ings &  Fences  in  good  repair  during  the  Lease,  and  at  the  Expiration 
thereof  deliver  it  up  in  like  good  repair,  the  Petitioners  also  paying 
all  such  Taxes  as  shall  be  Levyed  on  said  Premisses,  the  above 
said  Vessells  to  be  of  the  Burthen  of  Forty  Tuns,  One  with  the 
other. 

[319.]  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  raising  Moneys  be 
lefer'd  to  Six  o'Clock  this  Afternoon. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  23d.  of  March  last,  to 
View  the  Pond  called  Wheeler's  Pond  at  the  South  part  of  the 
Town,  to  Enquire  into  the  Encroachments  there  made,  and  after- 
wards Settle  and  Stake  out  the  Bounds  of  the  Towns  Lands  there, 
now  Report,  that  they  had  done  the  Business  Assign'd  'em,  and 
that  it  was  their  Opinion  that  said  Pond  is  of  no  benefit  to  the 
Town,  but  a  considerable  Nusance,  and  like  to  Continue  so,  and 
that  it  will  be  best  for  the  Town  to  dispose  of  it  for  the  most  it 
will   fetch,  there   now  being   several  Persons  who  are    ready  to 

Purchase  it, After   some   Debate   thereon Voted,  That 

said  Report  be  Accepted,  Also 

Voted  that  the  present  Selectmen  or  a  Major  part  of  them,  be 
and  they  hereby  are  fully  Authorized  and  Im  powered  to  Sell  said 
Pond  and  the  Town's  Lands  around  it,  for  the  most  they  can,  and 
to  give  and  Execute  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  good  and  legal 
Deeds  therefor  to  the  Purchaser,  said  Lands  to  be  first  Advertis'd, 
and  then  Sold  to  the  highest  bidder,  and  that  the  Produce  of  such 
Sale  be  Applyed  to  the  Payment  of  the  Heirs  of  Mr.  John 
Dolbeare  Deceased  for  the  Buildings  he  Erected  on  the  Towns 
Lands  at  the  head  of  the  Dock. 

The  Petition  of  the  Committee  of  Kings  Chappel,  praying  that 
Liberty  may  be  granted  them  to  Erect  three  Pillars  of  Stone  on  the 

Towns  Land  at  the  Easterly  End  of  said  Chappel was  Read, 

and  thereupon,  It  was  Voted  that  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  Henry 
Atkins  Esqr.  Mr.  James  Pitts,  Mr.  Stephen  Greenleaf  and  Mr. 
Jacob  Parker  be  a  Committee  to  View  the  place  where  it  is  pro- 
posal said  Pillars  shall  be  Erected,  and  whether  said  Pillars  will 
incommode  or  Obstruct  a  convenient  Entrance  into  any  of  the 
Tombs  near  there,  and  make  Report  at  the  Adjournment  of  this 
Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  praying  he  may  be  con- 
tinued Master  of  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  was  Read, 
and  thereupon  it  was  Moved  that  the  Petitions  of  Mr.  John  Procter 
junr.  and  Mr.  Samuel  Holbrook  praying  that  they  [320.]  May  be 
appointed  Master  of  said  School,  in  Case  One  should  be  there 
wanted,  may  be  Read,  which  were  Read  accordingly  and  after  a 
considerable  Debate  thereon,  It  was  Voted  that  the  Prayer  of  Mr. 
llolyoke's  Petition  be  so  far  granted  as  that  Mr.  Holyoke  be  con- 
tinued Master  of  said  School  on  such  Terms  and  Conditions  as 
shall  be  Agreed  upon  by  him  and  the  Selectmen,  to  whom  it  is 
refer'd. 

The  Town  Enter'd  upon  the  Consideration  of  raising  Money 
for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defraying  other  necessary  Charges, 


238  City  Document  No.  170. 

and  after  some  Debate  thereon  It  was  Moved  and  Voted  that  the 
same  be  refer'd  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  and  that  in 
the  mean  time  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  prepare  the  most  exact 
Account  he  can  of  the  particular  Expences  of  the  Town,  and  how 
the}'  arise  and  lay  the  same  before  the  Town  at  said  Adjournment. 
The  Committee  appointed  the  23d.  of  March  last  to  prepare  a 
Draft  of  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court,  now  Reported  a  Draft  of 
the  same,  which  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  the  Honourable  Spencer  Phipps  Esqr.  Lieutenant  Govern- 
our  and  Commander  in  Chief   of  the  Province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  The  Honble.  the  Council  and  House  of  Represent- 
atives in  Genera]  Court  Assembled,  May  30th.  1753. 
The  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
Humbly  Sheweth. 

That  they  readily  Acknowledge  it,  a  great  favour  of  divine 
Providence  that  they  live  under  a  Government,  to  which  they  may 
freely  apply,  and  from  which  they  may  Obtain  relief  under  any 
pressing  difficulties,  of  which  they  have  had  a  recent  instance,  by 
the  gracious  Grant  out  of  the  Province  Treasury  in  the  late  distres- 
sing time  of  the  Small  Pox,  which  bounty  they  mention  with  a  very 
humble  and  grateful  sense. 

[321. ]     This  Encourageth  the  Town  in  their  present  Case,  to 
lay  open  before  your  Honours  their  Circumstances  and  distresses  ; 
It  is  very  obvious  that  the  Extent  of  Land  in  Boston,  is  the  least 
of  any  Town  in  the  whole  Province  and  of  consequence,  that  their 
great  proportion  of  Taxes,  may  be  founded  on  some  adventitious 
circumstances    which   must    be   the   Commerce   or   Manufactures 
carry 'd  on  there,  in  which  it  is  very  certain  and  plain,  that  the 
Town  of  Boston,  heretofore  had  very  greatly  the  Advantage,  it 
being  almost  the  sole  Seat  of  Foreign  Trade,  receiving  and  export- 
ing almost  all  the  Commoditys  produced  by  this  and  the  neigh- 
bouring  Governments,    and   supplying   them   with   such   Foreign 
Goods  as  this  Town  imported  and  as  the  others  stood  in  need  of ; 
There  was  also,  from  the  earliest  days  of  the  Town  a  great  and 
growing  benefit  by  Ship-building,  not  only  for  their  own  Use  and 
Navigation  which  was  formerly  all  that  went  abroad   from  New 
England,  but  also  for  Sale  in  Our  Mother  Countrey,  in  the  whole 
not  less  than  Five  or  Six  Thousand  Tons  of  Shipping  were  Built 
Annually  in  the  Town,  and  the  larger  sorts  of  Ships  till  lately  were 
almost  wholly  built  there  ;  This  necessarily  Employed  and  brought 
into   Town   a  great   number  of    Shipwrights,  Blacksmiths   Ship- 
joyners  Ropemakers,  Blockmakers,  Sailmakers,  Riggers,  and  other 
Labourers  as  well  as  Sailors,  all  which  mainly  resided  in  Boston, 
and  added  to  their  numbers  and  Wealth,  and  help't  to  pay  the 
Towns  proportion  of  Taxes  ;  whereas,  now,  three  quarters  of  the 
Shipping  are  built  out  of  this  Town  and  more  especially  at  New- 
bury ;  and  about  Forty  Years  since,  begun  a  considerable  branch 
of  Business  by  Distilling  Molasses  or  Treacle  as  it  is  call'd  at  home, 
and  refining  Sugar ;  These  Manufactures  for  near  Twenty  Years 
were   wholly  confined   to  the  Town   of   Boston,    and   there    was 
scarcely  a  Still  house  or  Sugar  house  any  where  else,  in  this  or  any 
of  the  Neighbouring  Governments ;  This  bro't  on  a  large  Trade 


Boston  Town  Records,   1753.  239 

not  only  in  importing  the  Molasses  and  Raw  Sugar,  from  which 
the  Spirits  and  Loaf  Sugar  were  made,  but  also  in  exporting  the 
Rum  and  other  Spirits  Distilled  and  the  Sugar  refined  to  New 
York,  Pensilvania,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  and  South  Carolina, 
for  Wheat,  Bread,  Flour,  Indian  Corn,  Pork,  Beef,  Pitch,  Tar, 
Turpentine,  Tallow,  Furs,  Skins  and  other  things  too  many  to  be 
particularly  named,  as  well  as  to  Newfoundland  and  Nova  [322.] 
Scotia  for  Fish,  Train  Oil  and  Bills  of  Exchange ;  whereas  for 
divers  years  lately,  the  Distilling  is  not  only  spread  and  carried  on 
in  various  parts  of  this  Province,  as  Plimouth,  Salem,  Charlestown, 
Newbury,  Nantucket,  Watertown  and  Medford,  but  also  exceeding 
largely  in  Newport  &  Providence  in  Rhode  Island  Government, 
and  there  are  also  many  Still  houses  and  Sugar  houses  in  New 
York  and  Philadelphia  and  also  considerable  of  the  Distilling  Busi- 
ness carried  on  at  New  London,  Norwich,  Newhaven,  and  Middle- 
town  in  Connecticut,  insomuch,  that  now  this  Town  has  but  a 
small  Share  of  Supplying,  even  the  home  consumption,  for  beside 
what  the  Distillers  in  the  other  Towns  of  the  Province,  Sell,  very 
large  quantities  are  bro't  into  this  Province,  by  Land  and  Sea 
from  Newport  and  Providence  in  Rhode  Island  Colony  ;  The  Trade 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  is  also  exceedingly  lessened  in  English 
Goods,  for  whereas,  for  a  great  number  of  Years  they  Supply'd 
this  Province,  Connecticut,  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island 
wholly,  they  now  send  but  little  to  Connecticut,  and  hardly  any 
thing  at  all  to  Rhode  Island,  and  as  to  this  Province,  divers  Persons 
now  Inhabitants  of  Boston  are  Supply'd  with  English  Goods  very 
largely,  from  the  very  men  in  other  Towns,  who  but  a  few  years 
since  had  then  whole  Supply  of  English  and  almost  all  other  Goods 
out  of  this  Town,  and  of  these  very  men. 

There  has  been  also  lately  introduced  another  practice,  that,  of 
the  common  Victuallers  or  Butchers  living  in  other  Towns  and 
there  generally  killing  the  Meat  for  this  Town,  both  great  and 
small,  whereas  formerly  the  greatest  part  of  the  small  Meat  was 
killed  by  Town  Dwellers  and  the  large  Beasts  almost  without  a 
single  exception,  The  Hides  &  Skins  were  then  almost  wholly 
Tanned,  Curryed  &  Manufactured  in  Town,  the  Shoemakers  in  the 
Country  were  mainly  Supply'd  with  Leather  from  hence,  and  great 
numbers  of  Shoemakers  in  Boston,  had  large  Employ  in  making 
Shoes  for  People  living  in  the  other  Towns  of  the  Province  ;  But 
the  very  reverse  is  the  Case  now,  hardly  a  single  Bullock  is  killed 
by  an  Inhabitant  of  Boston,  nor  is  One  quarter  if  an  Eighth  part 
of  the  Hides  belonging  to  the  [323.]  Meat  consumed  by  the 
People  in  Boston,  Tanned  &  Manufactured  here,  Our  Shoemakers 
what  few  We  have,  are  Obliged  to  go  into  the  Countrey  for  their 
Leather,  and  a  great  number  of  Shoemakers  who  live  in  the 
Counti*}7,  have  large  Employ  from  Boston. 

These  things  the  Removal  of  Ship-building,  sinking  of  the  Dis- 
tillery &  Sugar  Works  here,  the  killing  the  Meat  and  Manufactur- 
ing the  Hides  and  Skins  out  of  Town,  have  thinned  Our  Numbers 
above  a  Thousand  Rateable  Men,  carried  from  us  many  of  Our 
most  Industrious,  frugal  and  provident  Inhabitants,  who  have  left 
us  a  number  of  thoughtless,  Idle  and  Sottish  Persons,  who  have 


240  City  Document  No.  170. 

very  soon  of  course,  come  to  be  the  charge  and  burthen  of  the 
Town,  Insomuch,  that  in  a  few  Years,  the  Poor's  Tax  has  risen 
from  about  a  Thousand  or  Fifteen  hundred  Pounds  Old  tenor,  to 
above  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  a  year,  and  the  sum  given,  in 
quarterly  Meetings,  Monthly  Contributions,  half  Yearly  Collections 
on  the  Anniversary  Fasts  and  Thanksgivings  and  private  Charitys 
are  tho't  to  Amount  to  as  much,  and  many  think  more ;  And  the 
Expence  of  this  Town  of  Boston  for  the  Poor  is  tho't  by  the  most 
Industrious,  to  be  more  than  the  whole  Province  beside,  ^>n  that 
Occasion  and  some  say  than  all  the  Governments  of  New  England 
put  together,  exclusive  of  Boston  :  so  that  the  most  Observing  and 
best  Acquainted  are  very  positive,  that  the  Poor's  Tax  in  Boston, 
is  double  (if  not  more)  to  what  it  is,  in  any  Town  of  it's  bigness, 
upon  the  face  of  the  whole  Earth. 

This  Excessive  Charge  has  begun  and  is  likely  very  much  to 
increase,  another  great  and  ruinous  Mischief,  the  driving  Our 
Wealthy  and  most  able  Inhabitants  out  of  this  Town,  to  Dwell 
and  be  Rated  in  the  Countrey.  It  is  a  known  and  settled  point 
that  about  a  quarter  of  a  fifth  part  of  what  they  pay  in  this  Town 
of  Boston,  is  the  extent  of  what  they  will  ordinarily  be  Rated, 
in  almost  any  Town,  they  can  Move  into,  in  the  Countrey  ;  It  must 
be  a  strong  temptation,  to  be  able  to  Sleep  quietly  a  few  Miles  out 
of  Boston,  and  Escape  paying  Five  Hundred  or  a  Thousand  Pounds 
a  Year,  This  is  the  Case,  numbers  are  gone  already,  more  are 
going,  others  are  preparing  to  go,  and  unless  there  be  some 
remedy  the  Town  must  be  depopulated  and  the  Poor  perish  by 
themselves. 

[324.]  These  are  Our  Circumstances  yet  we  cannot  but  hope, 
that  by  the  interposition  of  Your  Honour's  Equity  and  Goodness 
this  Once  flourishing  but  now  sinking  Town,  may  be  saved  from 
ther  dismal  prospects  and  their  hopes  (as  they  humbly  conceive)  are 
founded  on  Justice,  their  proportion  in  the  Province  Assessments,  is 
much  the  same  as  in  their  most  prosperous  state,  when  the  Province 
was  little  more  than  half  so  Numerous  in  the  other  parts  of  it,  and 
scarce  a  quarter  so  Able  in  point  of  Wealth,  It  is  impossible  the 
same  proportions  should  be  equitable,  when  One  part  is  undeniably 
Sunk  very  much  below  what  they  were,  and  the  other  part  more 
than  doubled  in  their  Ability7,  this  must  be  Acknowledged  to  be 
the  Case  in  comparing  the  present  and  past  state  of  the  Countrey  ; 
Boston  has  most  certainly  Sunk,  and  is  by  a  Thousand  Rateable 
Inhabitants,  less,  the  other  parts  of  the  Province  are  most  certainly 
risen,  become  more  flourishing,  their  Lands  better  Subdued  and 
made  more  profitable  their  numbers  of  Rateable  Inhabitants  in- 
creased b}^  many  Thousands,  their  Trade,  especially  that  which  is 
Foreign,  more  that  ten  times  greater  than  it  was  a  very  few  Years 
ago ;  We  need  only  name  the  Countys  of  Essex,  Middlesex  and 
Worcester  to  shew  the  Increase  of  Inhabitants  and  Husbandry,  and 
the  Towns  of  Plimouth,  Salem,  Maiblehead,  Newbury,  Glocester, 
Nantucket  York  and  Falmouth  in  Casco  Bay,  to  evidence  the  great 
and  flourishing  Foreign  Trade  carried  on,  which  formerly  wholly 
cordereel  in  Boston,  but  is,  now  gone  from  it,  to  these  several  grow- 
ing &  flourishing  Towns,  if  a  Fifth  or  a  Sixth  part  of  the  Tax,  was 


Boston  Town  Records,  1753.  241 

Boston's  Proportion  formerly  a  Tenth  or  a  Twelfth  part,  is  much 
more  than  their  proportion  now. 

Wherefore,  your  humble  Petitioners  pray  your  Honours  to  Settle 
the  proportion  of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  the  Publick  Assessments, 
according  to  the  present  state  of  the  Town  and  Countre}7,  or  in 
some  other  Way,  according  to  your  known  Wisdom  and  Justice 
give  them  relief — — And  your  Petitioners  (as  in  Duty  bound) 
shall  ever  pray  &c. 

After  the  same  was  Read,  It  was  Unanimously  Voted  That  it  be 
Accepted,  also  Voted  That  the  Town  Clerk  [325.]  Prepare  a  fair 
Copy  thereof,  and  Sign  the  same  in  the  name  of  the  Town,  and 
that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to 
present  it  to  the  General  Court  at  their  next  Session,  and  Use  their 
utmost  Endeavours  that  the  Prayer  thereof  be  granted. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Monday  the  28th. 
instant  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Monday  the  28th.  of  May  1753,  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon, 
the  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  unanimously  Voted, 
That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to  Thomas 
Hancock  Esqr.  for  the  many  faithful  and  generous  Services  b}~  him 
done  for  the  Town  during  the  time  he  Acted  as  One  of  their 
Selectmen. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to 
give  to  Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  a  Draft  on  the  Treasury  for  the  Sum 
of  Eight  Pounds  Seven  Shillings  &  Six  pence  Sterling  Money, 
being  so  much  Expended  by  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  in  London,  to 
prevent  the  Allowance  of  an  Act  of  this  Province  relating  to  the 
Excise  laid  on  the  Sale  of  Tea,  Snuff,  Arrack,  Coffee  and  China 
Ware. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esqr.  and  Seconded 
by  many  of  the  Inhabitants,  It  was  Unanimously  Voted,  That  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto  Christopher  Kilby 
of  London  Esqr.  for  his  great  pains  taken  and  close  Attendance 
upon  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  and  Plantations,  and  also 
a  Committee  of  the  Lords  of  His  Majesty's  most  Honourable 
Privy  Council,  in  order  to  get  repealed  An  Act  lately  pass'd  by  this 
Government,  laying  an  Excise  upon  Tea,  Coffee,  Snuff  Arrack  and 
China  Ware,  Sold  here,  which  the  Town  apprehended  to  be  a  great 
Prejudice  to  it,  and  which  the  said  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  by  his 
Assiduity  and  Care  got  repealed  accordingly. 

[326.]  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are 
desired  to  Write  a  Letter  to  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  and  the  Ex- 
ecutors of  Eliakim  Palmer  Esqr.  Deceas'd,  desiring  them  to  send 
an  Account  to  the  Town,  how  much  they  have  Expended  of  the 
Three  Hundred  Pounds  Sterling,  received  by  said  Kilby  and  Palmer 
on  a  Bill  of  Exchange  drawn  for  that  sum  by  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
in  Order  to  enable  them  as  the  Agents  of  the  Town  to  Defend  a 
Suit  brought  by  John  Ludgate,  and  others,  against  the  Town,  and 
lately  depending  before  His  Majesty  in  Council,  and  that  they 
would  Remit  the  Balance  now  in  their  hands,  to  the  Town,  as 
soon  as  may  be. 


242  City  Document  No.  170. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Article  in  the  Warrant 
Viz*.  "  To  determine  upon  some  Method  for  raising  Moneys  to  pay 
to  the  Heirs  of  Mr.  John  Dolbeare  Deceas'd  for  the  Buildings  he 

Erected  on  the  Towns  Lands  at  the  head  of  the  Dock  " and 

after  some  Debate  thereon 

Voted  That  Mr.  David  Jeffries  Treasurer  of  the  Town  be  and 
he  hereby  is  desired  and  fully  Impowered  to  borrow  upon  Interest 
of  any  Person  or  Persons  such  a  Sum  of  Money  as  he  shall  find 
necessary  to  pay  off  said  Heirs,  over  and  above  the  Sum  that  the 
Sale  of  Wheeler's  Pond  will  Amount  to,  and  that  said  Treasurer 
give  his  Bond  for  the  Payment  of  the  same,  which  Bond  or  Bonds 
the  Town  hereby  Promise  and  Engage  to  Discharge  when  the  same 
shall  become  due. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  15th.  instant,  on  the 
Petition  of  a  Committee  of  Kings  Chappel  praying  that  Liberty 
may  be  granted  them  to  Erect  three  Pillars  of  Stone  on  the  Towns 
Lands  at  the  Easterly  End  of  said  Chappel  now  Reported  that  they 
had  Attended  that  Service,  and  find  that  the  three  Pillars  Peti- 
tioned for,  may  be  so  placed  as  not  to  Incommode  any  Person, 
and  that  the  Proprietors  of  the  Tombs,  and  the  Relatives  of  those 
buryed  thereabouts  are  consenting  to  the  same,  also  Report  as 
their  Opinion  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted,  and  that 
the  Petitioners  have  Liberty  to  Erect  said  three  Pillars,  provided 
they  set  them  in  the  places  propos'd  by  the  Committee  the  Souther- 
most  of  [327.]  Which  to  be  at  least,  Six  feet  from  the  first  step 
leading  down  int6  Mr.  Fairfield's  Tomb,  and  the  whole  three  not 
exceeding  Ten  feet  from  the  Body  of  the  Church,  and  that  when 
they  proceed  to  build  them,  that  they  notify  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Tombs,  and  the  Persons  who  have  their  Relations  buryed  there- 
abouts to  be  present,  which  the  Committee  apprehend  will  be  a 
proper  Expedient  to  maintain  Peace  and  give  Satisfaction,  pro- 
vided also  that  if  in  breaking  up  the  Ground,  they  find  the  Bones 
of  any  Deceased  Persons,  they  put  them  into  a  distinct  Box,  and 
bury  them  in  some  other  place,  provided  also  that  the  Land  in- 
cluded between  the  Church  and  the  three  proposed  Pillars,  shall 

not  be  Inclosed which  Report  being  Read,  after  some  Debate 

thereon,  Voted,  That  said  Report  be  and  hereby  is  Accepted, 
and  that  the  Petitioners  have  Liberty  to  Erect  said  three  Pillars, 
in  the  manner  and  on  such  Terms  as  are  mentioned  in  said 
Report. 

Voted,  a  Grant  of  Four  Thousand  Pounds  Lawful  Money,  be 
rais'cl  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  Relief  of  the  Poor  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges 
arising  within  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Twenty  Pounds 
Lawful  Money,  be  Allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswell  for 
his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School  for  the  Ensu- 
ing Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due, 
and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Twenty  Pounds 
Lawful  Money  be  Allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  John  Lovell  for  his 
Salary,  as  Master  of  the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing 


Boston  Town  Records,  1753.  243 

Year,  to  be  paid  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  clue,  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  Money 
be  Allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Abiah  Holbrook,  Master  of  [328.] 
The  Writing  School  in  the  Common  for  the  ensuing  Year  to  be 
paid  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  Commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  Money  be 
Allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  Zacheriah  Hicks,  Master  of  the  North 
Writing  School,  for  the  ensuing  Year,  to  be  paid  quarterly  as  it 
shall  become  due,  and  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter. 

Voted.  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Lawful  Money  be  Allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  G-ardner,  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall 
become  due,  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Lawful  Money,  be 
Allowed  and  paid  to  such  Person  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Selectmen  Usher  of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Lawful  Monej?,  be 
Allowed  and  paid  to  such  Person  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Selectmen  Usher  of  the  North  Writing  School,  to  be  paid  quar- 
terly as  it  shall  become  due. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  Money 
be  Allowed  and  paid  to  Mr.  David  Jeffries  for  his  Services  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Town  for  the  Year  past,  and  for  all  his  Expences 
in  his  Office. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to 
Visit  the  Publick  Schools  as  Usual,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to 
Attend  them,  as  they  ma)7  think  proper. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting, 
for  transacting  the  Business  thereof,  and  Thanks  were  given  him 
accordingly. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[329.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  Warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Friday  the  Sixteenth 
Day  of  November,  A.D,  1753. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  was  Read. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq1",  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider  of  the  Business  mentioned  in 
the  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  Vizt.  "  To  Choose  two  Col- 
lectors of  Taxes  for  the  present  Year,  in  the  room  of  Messrs. 
Joseph  Russell  and  Hopestill  Foster  who  were  chose  in  March 
last  but  refuse  to  Serve,"  and  the  Town  being  inform'd  that  the 
four  other  Collectors  who  were  then  Chose  were  willing  to  Collect 
the  whole  Tax.  Voted.  That  the  Town  will  not  Choose  any  more, 
but  that  the  said  four  Collectors,  Viz'.  John  Ruddock,  James 
Scutt,  Thomas  Downe  junr.  and  Jonathan  Payson  be  and  hereby 


244  City  Document  No.  170. 

are  Irnpowered  to  Collect  the  whole  Tax  for  the  Year.  1753,  the 
Vote  pass'd  in  March  last,  that  there  should  be  Six  Collectors  not- 
withstanding, the  said  four  Collectors  to  give  Bond  and  to  Collect 
and  pay  in  their  Taxes  in  the  same  manner  as  is  particularly 
mentioned  in  the  Vote  pass'd  in  March  last. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Distniss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  lawfully  warned  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  in  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  Eleventh 
Day  of  March,  A.D.  1754. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Charles  Chaunce}'. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

[330.]  The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by 
a  written  Vote,  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted,  it 
appeared  that  the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  was  chose  and 
he  accordingly  took  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the  22d.  year 
of  His  present  Majesty,  relating  to  paying  &  receiving  Bills  of  the 
other  Governments. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  chose  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
and  having  taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the  22nd .  year 
of  His  present  Majesty,  relating  to  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of 
Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  took  the  Oath  of  Office,  which 
were  Aclministred  to  him  by  John  Steele  Esqr. 

The  Petitions  were  Read. 

Voted  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen, 
and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted,  it  appeared  that 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr. 
Capt.  Joseph  Jackson 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing 
Capt.  Samuel  Hewes 
Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  chose. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  It  was  Voted  that  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto  John  Steele  Esq1, 
for  the  good  Services  he  has  done  the  Town  for  many  Years  past, 
as  a  Selectman. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Twelve  Con- 
stables distinct  from  the  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Voted,  That  any  Person  that  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of  a 
Constable  for  the  year  ensuing,  be  Excus'd  from  Serving  pro- 
vided he  pay  into  the  Town  Treasury,  Three  Pounds  Lawful 
Money. 

Mr.  David  Jeffries  was  chose  Treasurer  of  this  Town  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  took  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the  22d.  of 
His  present  Majesty,  relating  to  his  paying  or  [331.]  Re- 
ceiving Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  and  then  took  an 
Oath  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Dutj7  in  that  Office. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants   praying   the  Town  would 


Boston  Town  Records,  1754. 


245 


reconsider  the  Vote  pass'd  in  March  last,  relating  to  the  Overseers 
annually  exhibiting  a  List  of  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons  as 
have  received  any  part  of  the  Towns  Money,  or  any  Support  from 
them,  was  taken  into  Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon. 
It  was  Voted  that  the  said  Vote  in  March  last  be  reconsidered  ac- 
cordingly. 

Mess™.  "William  Clark  Apothecary     .     Excus'd 
Charles  Ward  Apthorp      .     .     Pay 
Thomas  Leverett     ....     Excus'd 

Samuel  Osborne Pay 

Thomas  Parker Excus'd 

William  Stow Pay 

Edward  Wigglesworth .     .     .     Pay 
Samuel  Waterhouse      .     .     .     Pay 

Thomas  Carnes Excus'd 

Daniel  Boyer Excus'd 

Samuel  Hughes  Queen  Street    Pay 
Thomas  Greene  junr.    .     .     .     Pay 
were  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  o'Clock  P.M. 
Monday,  the  11th.  of  March  3  o'Clock  P.M.  the  Town  met  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment. 

Messrs.  William  Rand. 
Isaac  Decoster 


paid  in  1750. 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 

Pay 

Pay 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 

Sworn 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 


John  Pattin     . 
Jonathan  Rogers 
Thomas  Bailey 
Thomas  Symmes 
William  Scott 
William  Homer 
Samuel  Burt   . 
Joseph  Bass    . 
James  Boyes  . 
William  Edes 
were  chose  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 
[333.]     The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
The  HonbIe.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esq1. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
The  Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Capt.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
Mr.  Joseph  Sherburne 
Mr.  John  Tudor 
were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess™.  Charles  Henley Excus'd 

Alexander  Leblond Sworn 

John  Bridge Sworn 

John  Edwards Excus'd 


246 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Oliver  Wiswall Pay 

Thomas  Raymond Excus'd 

were  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer,  and  they  being  Collected  were  Sealed  up  by  Constable 
Pattin,  to  be  by  him  kept  and  return'd  to  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  Peace  in  April  next. 

The  Town  having  in  the  forenoon  Voted  to  Reconsider  the 
Vote  pass'd  in  March  last,  relating  to  the  Overseers  annually  ex- 
hibiting a  List  of  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons  as  have  receiv'd 
any  part  of  the  Towns  Money,  or  any  Support  from  them,  won 
took  the  same  into  Consideration,  and  thereupon  Voted  that 
the  said  Vote  in  March  last  be  and  hereby  is  declared  null  and 
void  and  that  the  Overseers  proceed  as  was  usual  before  said  Vote 
pass'd. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assessors, 
and  they  being  Sorted  it  appeared  that 
Messrs.  Jacob  Parker 

William  Fairfield 
John  Kneeland 
John  Winslow 
[333.]  Peter  Oliver 

Samuel  Edwards,  and 
Benjamin  Church-  were  chose. 
Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  9   o'Clock  tomorrow 
morning. 

Tuesday,  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon,  the  Town  met  according 
to  Adjournment. 

Mr.  John  Gray 
was  chose  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Messrs.  Robert  Ford Sworn 

Isaac  White 
Henry  Berry 

Clement  Collins Sworn 

Andrew  Symmes     ....     Sworn 

Isaac  Vergoose Sworn 

John  Grant 

William  Paine Sworn 

William  Nichols 
Benjamin  Russell 

Moses  Eayres Sworn 

Benjamin  Bicknell  ....     Sworn 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards,  Shingles  &c.  for  the  jrear  en- 
suing 

Mess™.  Isaac  Fowle 
David  Spear 
Edward  Potter 
Robert  Treat 
Samuel  Treat 
Peter  Cotta 

Benjamin  Ballard    ....     Sworn 
John  Helyer  .  Sworn 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1754.  247 

Joseph  Dyer 
Benjamin  Sault 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Staves,  Hoops  &c  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Selectniens  Eeport  on  the  Accompt  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  year  past,  as  Enter'd  in  [334.] 
His  Book  (and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  Read  and  Voted 
that  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  Fenno  be 
further  Accountable  to  the  Town  for  Eleven  hundred  and  Fifty 
bushels  of  Corn  remaining  unsold  amounting  to  One  hundred  and 
Sixty  one  Pounds,  and  also  for  the  sum  of  One  hundred  &  ninety 
Pounds  eight  Shillings  &  one  penny  farthing,  Cash  amounting  in 
the  whole  to  the  sum  of  Three  hundred  &  fifty  one  Pounds  eight 
Shillings  &  one  penny,  farthing  lawful  money,  exclusive  of  the 
sum  of  Twenty  six  Pounds  thirteen  shillings  &  four  pence,  for 
his  Salary,  &  Assistance,  as  charg'd  in  said  Accompt,  which  is 
hereby  allow'd  him. 

Mess".  Robert  Clark Sworn 

John  Glen Sworn 

William  Andrews      .     .     .     Excus'd 

Thomas  Price Sworn 

John  Askins Excus'd 

were  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  John  Scollay 
Capt.  Joseph  Jackson 
Capt.  Hopestill  Foster 
Mr.  Thomas  Jackson  Distiller 
Mr.  Newman  Greenough 
Mr.  Royall  Tyler 
Capt.  Thomas  James  Gruchy 
Mr.  Joseph  Jackson  Truckman 
Capt.  Solomon  Davis 
Major  Nathaniel  Thwing 
were  chose  Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Nathaniel  Bird 

William  Stukely      ....     Sworn 

Joseph  Candish Sworn 

Samuel  Smith  Cordwainer      .     Sworn 
were  chosen  Hogreves  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess™.  Nathaniel  Gardner  ....     Sworn 

David  Colson  junr Sworn 

were  chosen  Informers  about  Deer  for  the  year  ensuing. 
[335,]  Mess™.  Daniel  Eveleth 

Samuel  Torrey 
Powers  Mariot 
Joshua  Blanchard 
Jacob  Holyoke 
David  Wheeler 
James  Sherman 
Samuel  Bass 
Joshua  Bentley 


248  City  Document  No.  170. 

i 

Robert  Pierpont 
Robert  Williams,  Baker 
John  Welch 
were  Chosen  Scavingers  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  Caleb  Ray 

William  Moore Sworn 

Onesiphorus  Tilestone 

Samuel  Warden Sworn 

Story  Dawes Sworn 

Samuel  Ruggles Sworn 

were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess™.  Samuel  Hastings     ....     Sworn 

Thomas  Hase Sworn 

Thomas  Hartley 

William  Currier Sworn 

John  Allen 

Nathaniel  Hodgdon      .     .     .     Sworn 
were  chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Joseph  Curtis  was  chosen  Hayward  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Sworn 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Highways  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Mess™.  David  Cutler 

Thomas  Foster 
were  chose  Assay-masters  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Capt.  Joseph  Jackson  ^ 

Mr.  John  Scollay  >-  Comtee.  for  Purchasing  Grain. 
Mr.  Thomas  Greene      ) 
[336.]     were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  year  ensu- 
ing   The  said  Committee  are  desired  and  Impowered  to  give 

all  needful  directions  to  the  keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the 
Quantitys  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  setting  the  Price  thereof  from 
time  to  time  as  Occasion  may  require. 

Mess™.  Isaac  Cazneau Sworn 

Daniel  Oliver Sworn 

Cornelius  Thayer Sworn  - 

Charles  Deming 

Jonathan   Mason Sworn 

William  Homes 

Josiah  Waters Sworn 

Andrew  Oliver  Jeweller Sworn 

William   Gray Sworn 

John   Deming Sworn 

Daniel   Boyer Sworn 

John    Winslow,    Hatter Sworn 

were  chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Ty thing-men Nothing  done  thereon. 

Voted,  that  Cap'.  Joseph  Jackson,  Mr.  Thomas  Greene  and  Mr. 
John  Scollay  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to 
Enquire  into  all  Breaches  of  the  Act  of  this  Province  relating  to 
Millers  in  this  Town,  and  Prosecute  all  such  as  shall  be  guilty  of  the 
same,  by  not  Conforming  to  the  Particular  directions  of  said  Act. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1754.  249 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  Iinpowered  to 
Sit  upon  the  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  day  of  April  nextt 
and  no  longer,  saving  that  they  have  Liberty  to  Sit  the  two  last 
Weeks  in  November  next  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  Persons 
as  shall  appear  to  them  to  have  Died,  or  been  out  of  Town,  and 
could  not  have  made  Application  to  them  before  said  first  day  of 

April Also  Voted   that  the  Assessors  have  Liberty  to  sit  in 

said  two  Weeks  in  November  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  Per- 
sons which  shall  then  appear  to  them  have  become  Bankrupts 
between  the  first  day  of  April  and  said  time  of  Sitting,  and  which 
the  Collectors  have  Endeavour' cl  to  get  in,  but  could  not. 

[337.]  Voted,  that  Twelve  on  the  Pound  be  and  hereby  is 
allowed  to  be  paid  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect, 
Provided  they  pay  unto  the  Town  Treasurer,  One  half  part  of  the 
whole  Sum  they  are  Obliged  to  pay  him  within  four  Months  from  the 
time  they  receive  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other 
half  part  in  three  Months  after,  and  also  pay  to  the  Province  and 
County  Treasurers,  One  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  they  shall  be 
Obliged  to  pay  them  respectively  in  Seven  Months  from  the  time 
they  shall  receive  the  Tax  books  from  the  Assesors  as  aforesaid, 
and  the  other  half  part  in  Five  Months  after,  and  in  Case  either  of 
the  said  Collectors  shall  fail  paying  the  Treasurers  in  manner  as 
aforesaid,  the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  afore- 
said Allowance  of  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound,  but  wholly  forfeit 
the  same,  Provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond 
with  sufficient  Sureties  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for 
their  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  said  Office  and  Complying 
with  this  Vote. 

Messrs.  John  Ruddock 

Thomas  Downe  junr. 
James  Scutt 
Jonathan  Payson 
were  chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Thomas  Chapman .        Sworn 

Richard  Richardson Excus'd 

William  Jackson Excus'd 

James  Bailey Excus'd 

Mess18.  Augustus  Hail Sworn 

were  chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Samuel  Procter Sworn 

Roger  Stayner Sworn 

were  chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Greene,  Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
Mr.  William  Coffin,  Mr.  Isaac  Walker  and  Mr.  William  Cooper  be 
and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Enquire  what  Fines 
have  been  paid  into  the  Town  Treasury  for  several  years  [338.] 
Past  when  they  were  are  paid,  by  whom,  and  the  respective 
Sums  so  paid,  the  said  Committee  are  also  desired  to  Consider  what 
Method  they  apprehend  the  Inhabitants  had  best  take  to  recover 
such  Fines  as  they  judge  may  be  now  due  to  the  Town,  and  make 
Report  hereon  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 


250  City  Document  No.  170. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants,  Abutters  on  Beacon  Street, 
and  ruauy  others,  setting  forth  the  necessity  of  Paving  said  Street, 
and  that  in  case  the  Town  will  Allow  Fifty  Pounds  towards  doing 

the  same,  the  Abutters  will  pay  the  remainder Read  &  Voted 

that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  towards  paving  said  Street,  to  be  paid  when  the  same  is 
done,  the  Abutters  undertaking  to  be  the  remaining  part  of  the 
Charge  for  doing  the  same. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  praying  that  part  of  Anne 
Street  may  be  Widened,  it  being  now  so  narrow  that  it  is  danger- 
ous to  pass  and  repass  the  same,  and  in-order  to  do  it,  there  will 
be  a  necessity  to  take  down  part  of  a  House  belonging  to  the  Heirs 
of  Mr.  Jeremiah  Allen  Deced,  and  part  of  a  House  belonging  to 
One  Mr.  Maddocks Read,  and 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  prefer  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court 
praying  the  Town  may  be  Enabled  to  Widen  said  Street,  by  taking 
down  so  much  of  said  Houses,  as  may  be  necessary  therefor, 
allowing  such  Consideration  for  the  same,  as  the  General  Court 
shall  judge  reasonable. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  Setting  forth  that  in  the 
year  1737,  when  the  Town  had  Concluded  on  Building  a  Work- 
house, and  in  order  to  have  the  same  Erected  in  some  Commodious 
part  of  it,  it  was  judged  by  a  Committee  of  the  Town  necessary 
to  remove  the  Granary  from  the  place  it  then  stood  in,  to  where  it 
now  is,  and  the  Petitioner  (being  One  of  that  Committee)  finding 
that  the  Granary  had  till  then  been  without  a  Cellar,  thought  it 
very  inconvenient  that  so  good  a  Building  should  remain  so  any 
longer,  and  thereupon  proposed  the  things  being  done,  after  it  was 
removed,  upon  this  the  Towns  Committee  proposed  to  the  Peti- 
tioner that  he  should  have  a  term  of  time  in  it,  if  he  would  under- 
take it  himself,  to  which  he  suddenly  [339.]  Agreed  for  Sixteen 
years,  immediately  went  about  &  Accomplished  it,  at  the  Cost  of 
more  than  Two  Hundred  Pounds,  the  then  Currency,  altho'  he  was 
afterwards  Enjoined  by  the  Committee  to  Lath  and  Plaister  under 
the  lower  Floor  of  the  Granary,  which  he  never  Expected  to  do, 
when  he  agreed  for  that  term  of  time,  but  so  it  is  that  notwithstand- 
ing he  hath  had  the  Sixteen  years  in  it,  the  12th.  of  December  last, 
yet  during  that  whole  time  he  has  had  Opportunity  to  hire  it  out 
but  2^  j^eai's  at  the  rate  of  Thirty  Pounds  Old  tenor  p.  Annum, 
and  about  2^  years  more  at  the  Rate  of  Sixty  Pounds,  the  other 
part  of  the  16  years,  it  hath  lain  mostly  Unimproved,  unless  it  be 
by  his  sometimes  housing  Pitch  and  Tarr  in  it,  at  a  very  consider- 
able Expence The  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  Conceives  that 

as  it  was  his  real  Intention  to  Serve  the  Town  in  what  he  did,  so 
the  Town  will  not  suffer  him  to  be  a  Looser  thereby,  which  he  In- 
evitably must  be,  unless  he  hath  a  longer  time  allowed  him  therein 
or  be  otherewise  relieved  by  the  Town,  which  he  humbly  submitted 

to  their  Consideration  ;  said  Petition  being  Read Voted  that 

for  the  Considerations  mentioned,  and  reasons  given  in  said  Petition, 
the  said  Thomas  Hubbards  term  in  said  Cellar  be  and  hereby  is  ex- 
tended Ten  Years  longer  to  commence  the  12th.  of  December  last,  and 
that  the  Selectmen  Execute  a  Lease  thereof  to  him  accordingly. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1754.  251 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  of  March  last,  to  Audit  the 
Accompts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries  now  reported,  that  they  had 
attended  that  Service,  and  find  the  same  right  cast  &  well 
Vouched,  in  which  Acco4.  he  Charges  himself  with  sundry  Fines, 
Rents  and  other  Incomes  of  the  Town,  as  also  with  the  Tax  of 
£4,000  committed  to  the  Collectors,  all  which  Amounts   (including 

the  Ballance  of  Old  Acco'.  to  the  Sum  of  £8575,,  8,,  9| And 

the  said  Treasurer  discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abatements  made 
the  Collectors,  by  Drafts  made  by  the  Selectmen  Am0,  to  £2525,, 
4,,  1J  and  by  Drafts  made  by  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  which 
contain  the  Charges  of  the  Almshouse  and  Workhouse,  Am°.  to 
£1316,,  11,,  llf  which  said  Comtee.  inspected  in  a  very  particular 
manner  by  Examining  every  particular  Voucher,  produced  by  the 
Overseers  for  the  Amount  of  that  Sum,  and  every  other  branch  of 
Publick  Charge,  all  Am0,  to  £5142,,  5,,  11£  [340.]  By  which 
it  appears  that  when  all  the  Taxes  Rents  &  Incomes  of  the  Town 
are  in,  the  Ballance  will  be  £3432,,  17,,  10J  which  the  said  Treas- 
urer is  further  to  Account  for,  as  appears  by  the  Tryal  Ballance 
of  said  Accompt,  given  in  by  said  Committee  and  on  file,  which 
Report  and  Accompt  being  Read, 

Voted  the  same  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  that  Mr.  William  Cooper,  Mr.  Thomas  Tyler,  Thomas 
Greene  John  Wheelwright  and  Thomas  Oxnard  Esqrs.  be  and  they 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of  Mr.  Treas- 
urer Jeffries,  and  also  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
and  the  said  Committee  are  hereby  directed  and  Impowered  to 
Inspect  every  Particular  Acco4.  of  the  Moneys  expended  for  the 
Use  of  the  Almshouse,  and  every  other  Branch  of  the  Publick 
Charges,  and  they  are  desired  to  make  Report  thereon,  as  soon  as 
they  have  done  the  same. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  twelfth  day  of  March  last,  on  the 
Petition  of  Isaac  Dupee,  Solomon  Kneeland  &  others,  relating  to 
their  Claim  of  Lands  mentioned  in  said  Petition,  now  Reported 
that  on  the  twenty  sixth  of  December  last,  pursuant  to  the  power 
given  them,  they  Executed  Bonds  of  Submission  on  behalf  of  the 
Town  unto  Isaac  Dupee,  Solomon  Kneeland  and  Thomas  Walley 
on  behalf  of  themselves  and  others  that  Claim  the  Lands  &  Prem- 
isses in  Dispute,  who  likewise  Executed  Bonds  to  said  Committee, 
whereby  was  refer'd  their  Right  Claim  and  Demand,  as  also  the 
Right  Claim  and  Demand  of  the  Town,  to  said  Lands  unto  the 
Determination  of  Samuel  Danforth  Esqr.  of  Cambridge  James 
Russell  and  Samuel  Bradstreet  of  Charlestown  Merchants ;  who 
accordingly  met  and  fully  heard  the  Committee  &  the  other 
Claimers  upon  the  Premisses,  and  on  the  twenty  eighth  day  of 
February  last,  gave  in  their  final  Award  and  Determination  there- 
upon   which  Bond  and  Award  the  said  Committee  Read  and 

presented  to  the  Town  for  their  Confirmation,  and  said  Committee 
further  Reported  that  they  apprehended  it  to  be  best  that  said 
Bonds  and  Award  be  Enter' d  upon  the  Towns  Record,  to  prevent 

any  Disputes  relating  to  said  Lands  for  the  future thereupon  It 

was  Voted  that  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Lands  given 
and  Assigned  to  the  Petitioners  and  other  Claimers  by  said  Refer- 


252  City  Document  No.  170. 

rees  be  and  hereby  [341.]  Are  Confirmed  unto  them  and  thier 
Heirs  forever  as  is  mentioned  in  their  Award.  Also  Voted  that 
the  said  Bonds  of  Submission  and  said  Award  be  Euter'd  at  length 
on  the  Towns  Records  to  prevent  any  Disputes  relating  to  said 
Land  for  the  future. 

Which  Bond  and  Award  are  as  follows.     Viz'. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  presents  that  We  Isaac  Dupee  Mariner 
and  Solomon  Kneeland  Leather  dresser  and  Thomas  Walley 
Merchant  all  of  Boston  in  the  Connty  of  Suffolk  (for  Ourselves 
and  such  other  persons  as  shall  or  do  claim  the  Lands  and  Prem- 
isses hereafter  described)  are  holden  and  stand  firmly  Bound  and 
Obliged  unto  William  Fairfield  Bricklayer,  Thomas  Greene  Mer- 
chant &  Joseph  Calef  Tanner  all  of  Boston  aforesaid  (as  they  are 
a  Committee  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  aforesaid  specially  appointed  and  Impowered  by  them 
at  their  Meeting  the  23d.  of  March  last  to  Settle  the  Claim  of  said 
Town  to  the  same  Lands)  in  the  full  and  just  Sum  of  Five  Hun- 
dred Pounds  lawful  money,  to  be  paid  to  said  William  Fairfield, 
Thomas  Greene  and  Joseph  Calef  their  Excor's  Admor's  or  Assigns 
to  and  for  the  only  Use  and  benefit  of  said  Town,  To  the  true 
Payment  whereof  We  Bind  Ourselves  Our  heirs  Excor's  and 
Admor's  jointly  and  severally  firmly  by  these  presents,  Sealed 
with  Our  seals.  Dated  the  twenty  sixth  day  of  December,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  &  Fifty  three. 

Whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  Town  of  Boston  at  the 
Superionr  Court  of  Judicature  held  at  Boston  within  and  for  said 
County  of  Suffolk  on  the  Eighth  day  of  March  1749  Recovered 
Judgment  against  William  Toirey  of  Boston  aforesaid  Baker  for 
the  Possession  of  a  Peice  of  Land  Situate  in  Boston  aforesaid 
bounded  Northerly  Seventy  eight  feet  on  a  Street  or  Lane  that 
leads  from  Water  Street  to  Olivers  Dock  Easterly  Sixteen  feet  of 
Land  of  Christopher  Tilden  and  Thirty  feet  &  an  half  Easterly  on 
Land  of  Mr.  Hunt  and  others,  Southerly  Thirty  feet  on  Water 
Street,  Westerly  Thirty  feet  on  Land  in  Possession  of  John  Shaw, 
Northerly  twenty  six  feet  on  said  Land  in  Possession  of  said  Shaw 
Westerly  twenty  seven  feet  on  said  Land  in  said  Shaws  Possession, 
Southerly  fourteen  feet  on  Water  Street,  Westerly  twenty  six  feet 
on  Land  improved  by  James  Beighton,  Northerly  twenty  four  feet 
on  said  Land  in  the  improvement  of  said  Beighton  &  Westerly, 
Sixteen  feet  on  Land  in  the  improvement  of  James  Allen  Esqr. 
with  the  Appurtenances,  And  afterwards  had  Possession  thereof 
delivered  to  their  [342.]  Selectmen  accordingly.  And  Whereas 
the  above  Bounden  Isaac  Dupee  and  Solomon  Kneeland  for  them- 
selves and  other  Claimers  of  the  above  said  Lands  preferr'd  a 
Petition  to  the  said  Town  at  their  Meeting  in  May  1752.  Setting 
forth  (among  other  things)  that  they  apprehended  they  have  a  just 
and  legal  right  and  Title  to  the  Lands  aforesaid,  and  they  were 
never  Informed  of  the  aforesaid  Action  or  Suit  brought  by  the 
Town  for  .  .  .  Possession  of  the  same  Lands,  which  they  would 
have  Defended  and  that  they  could  have  made  out  their  Title  to 
the  same,  if  they  had  proper  Notice  given  'em  thereof,  praying  the 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1754.  253 

Town  that  said  Affair  may  be  Amicably  Settled  by  Referring  the 
Claims  of  the  Town  and  the  Petitioners  to  such  Persons  as  may  be 
mutually  chose  by  them  to  Determine  the  same,  or  that  it  be  other- 
wise settled  as  should  be  judged  best ;  and  thereupon  the  Town 
appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  what  they  apprehended  was 
best  for  the  Town  to  do  in  said  Affair,  who  Reported  that  they 
had  fully  heard  said  Claimers  and  said  William  Torrey,  relating  to 
the  matters  suggested  in  said  Petition,  and  that  Justice  might  be 
done  and  Unnecessary  Expence  in  the  Law  either  to  the  Town  or 
the  Claimers  prevented  they  judged  it  would  be  best  to  Refer  the 
Claims  of  each  to  the  Determination  of  such  Persons  as  should  be 
Mutually  chose,  they  to  hear  and  finally  judge  of  the  same,  as  tho' 
no  Action  had  been  brought  or  Judgment  given  in  favour  of  the 
Town,  which  Report  was  Read,  and  Accepted  by  the  Town  at 
their  publick  Meeting  the  23d.  of  March  last,  And  it  was  then 
Voted  that  the  said  William  Fairfield,  Thomas  Greene  and  Joseph 
Calef  be  a  Committee  for  said  Town,  and  were  fully  Authorized 
and  Impowered  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to  join  with  the 
Petitioners  and  any  other  Persons  that  Claim  any  Right  or  Interest 
in  said  Lands  in  referring  their  respective  Claims  to  such  Persons 
as  shall  be  by  them  Mutually  Chose,  and  said  Committee  were 
also  Impowered  to  Sign  &  Execute  such  Bonds  as  may  be  judged 
necessary  to  Oblige  the  Town  to  Abide  by  the  Award  or  Determi- 
nation of  such  Referees  or  a  Major  part  of  them  provided  the 
other  Parties  also  give  sufficient  Security  for  abiding  by  such  De- 
termination, and  whatsoever  said  Committee  should  do  or  cause 
to  be  done  in  the  Premisses  the  Town  promised  to  Ratify  and 
Confirm,  And  Whereas  the  said  William  Fairfield  Thomas  Greene 
and  Joseph  Calef  a  Committee  impowered  as  aforesaid,  and  the 
said  Isaac  Dupee  Solomon  Kneeland  and  Thomas  Walley  for 
themselves  and  the  other  Claimers  to  said  Lands,  have  Mutually 
[343.]  Chosen  and  Appointed  Samuel  Danforth  of  Cambridge 
Esqr.  and  James  Russell  and  Samuel  Bradstreet  of  Charlestown 
Merchants  Referrees,  to  hear  them  relating  to  their  respective 
Claims  Title  and  Interest  in  said  Lands,  and  finally  to  Judge  and 
Determine  upon  the  same  as  though  no  Action  had  been  brought 
or  Judgment  of  Court  given  in  favour  of  said  Town. 

The  Condition  therefore  of  the  aforewritten  Obligation  is  such, 
that  if  the  said  Isaac  Dupee  &  Solomon  Kneeland  &  Thomas 
W  allay  and  the  other  Persons  who  Claim  any  Title  or  Interest  in 
said  Lands  their  respective  Heirs  Excors,  or  Admors  shall  and 
do  stand  to  Abide  by,  and  in  all  respects  fulfill  and  perform  the 
Award  Arbitrement  or  Determination  of  the  Referrees  aforesaid  or 
of  a  Major  part  of  them  ;  relating  to  their  Title  and  Interest  in  the 
Lands  &  Premisses  aforesaid  and  not  any  ways  depart  from  the 
same,  Provided  it  be  delivered,  or  be  ready  to  be  delivered  to  such 
of  the  Parties  as  shall  desire  it,  under  the  hands  and  Seals  of  said 
Referrees  or  a  Major  part  of  them,  on  or  before  the  tenth  day  of 
March  next  ensuing,  And  in  the  mean  while  Attend  said  Referrees 
or  a  Major  part  of  them,  with  their  Papers  and  Evidences  at  such 
times  and  places  as  they  shall  Appoint,  and  all  without  fraud  or 


254  City  Document  No.  170. 

delay  then  this   aforewritten  Obligation  shall  be  void,  otherwise 
shall  be  in  full  force. 

Signed  Sealed  and  Delivered 

in  presence  of  Us,  Isaac  Ddpee  &  a  Seal 

Ezkl.  Goldthwait  Sol0.  Kneeland  &  a  Seal 

John  Savel  Thomas  W alley  &  a  Seal. 

We  the  Subscribers  Referrees  chosen  aud  appoiuted  in  and  by 
the  aforewritten  Bond  of  Submission,  have  met  and  heard  the 
respective  Parties  in  said  Bond  named  and  fully  Considered  of  such 
Evidence  as  they  produced  relatiug  to  their  several  Claims  to  the 
Lands  therein  described,  and  do  Award  that  the  Judgment  afore- 
said, recovered  by  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  of  Boston  for 
Possession  of  said  Lands  and  the  Writ  of  Facias  habere  Posses- 
sionem granted  thereupon,  be  and  hereby  are  made  Null  and  void, 
and  in  Consideration  thereof,  We  the  said  Referrees  (b}*  and  with 
the  full  and  free  Consent  of  the  said  Parties)  do  hereby  Assign 
unto  the  said  Town  of  Boston  part  of  the  same  Lands,  Viz'.  Out 
of  the  Lands  of  the  said  Solomon  Kneeland  thirteen  feet  two  inches 
in  length,  and  Five  feet  three  inches  in  breadth  from  the  Middle 
of  the  Pav'd  Gutter,  Out  of  the  Lands  of  [344.]  The  Heirs  of 
John  Walley  Esqr.  Deced,  Forty  seven  feet  and  an  half  in  length 
and  Five  feet  three  in  breadth  (both  of  which  Lands  are  on  the 
South  side  of  said  Gutter)  and  out  of  the  Lands  of  said  Isaac 
Dupee  Seventy  Nine  feet  &  Eight  Inches  in  length,  and  Four  feet 
Nine  Inches  in  breadth  from  the  Middle  of  said  Gutter  (said 
Dupee's  Land  being  on  the  North  side  of  said  Gutter)  which  said 
Lands  the  said  Town  of  Boston  are  to  hold  as  an  Estate  of  Inherit- 
ance in  Fee  Simple  forever,  and  are  hereby  deem'd  to  be  said  Towns 
full  proportion  of  the  Lands  whereof  they  had  recovered  possession 
by  force  of  the  Judgment  aforementioned.  Witness  Our  hands 
and  Seals  the  twenty  eighth  day  of  February,  One  Thousand  Seven 
Hundred  &  Fifty  four. 
Signed  Sealed  &  Delivered 

in  the  presence  of  us.  Samuel  Danforth  &  a  Seal 

John  Savel  James  Russell  &  a  Seal 

Ezek1-.  Goldthwait  Samuel  Bradstreet  &  a  Seal. 

Capt.  Isaac  Dupee  was  chose  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  for 
the  year  ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  for  Paving  Moon  Court 
Street  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Dismissed. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  directed  and  re- 
quired to  begin  to  Sit  and  make  the  Taxes  of  the  current  year 
the  first  Week  in  August  next,  and  so  continue  Sitting  de  Die  in 
Diem,  until  they  have  Compleated  the  same,  provided  they  shall 
then  have  received  the  Warrants  from  the  Province  Treasurer,  and 
from  the  Court  of  Sessions  for  the  Taxes. 

Voted  that  the  Committee  this  clay  chose  to  Audit  the  Accompts 
of  the  Treasurer  and  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  be  desired  when  they 
Attend  that  Service,  to  prepare  a  List  of  the  Names  of  all  such 
Persons  as  Receive  Charity  from  the  Town  out  of  the  House,  and 
Present  it  to  the  Town  with  their  report,  and  that  the  same  be 


Boston  Town  Records,  1754.  255 

lodged  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office  for  the  Inspection  of  any  of  the 
Inhabitants  that  shall  desire  it,  Also  Voted  that  said  Committee 
be  desired  to  prepare  an  Acco4.  of  the  general  Articles  in  the  Se- 
lectmens,  and  Overseers  Drafts,  and  lay  the  same  before  the 
Town. 

[345.]  Voted,  that  all  Matters  that  remain  unfinished  be  and 
hereby  are  refer' d  over  to  the  Meeting  in  May  next  to  be  then 
Considered  and  Acted  upon. 

Thanks  was  Voted  the  Moderator. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  Warn'd  in  Publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  fifteenth 
day  of  May  A.D.  1754. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Head 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Mr.  Samuel  Grant  one  of  the  Selectmen  propos'd  in  their  Name 
to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  One  or 
more  Persons  to  represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  or 
Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the  twenty  ninth 
day  of  May  current,  and  in  order  thereto,  to  Consider  and  Ascer- 
tain the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly  It  was 
Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives,  and  it  was 
then  declar'd  that  the  Poll  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  603.  and  upon  sorting  'era  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gen- 
tlemen were  chose  Viz'. 

Votes. 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr 392 

James  Allen  Esqr 549 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr 586 

Mr.  James  Bowdoin 430 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  de- 
clared by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moder- 
ator, and  upon  Sorting  'em,  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  Thomas 
Hubbard  Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

[346.]     Sundry  Petitions Read. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  15th.  of  May  last  to 
Visit  the  Schools,  now  made  the  following  Report,  Viz1. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  15.  1754. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
15th.  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  several 
Publick  Schools,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein,  as  they  should  think  proper  do  now  Report. 

That  on  the  29th.  day  of  June  last,  We  Attended  that  Service 
Accompanied  by  the  following  Gentlemen,  Viz*. 
The  HonbIe.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq1. 
Richard  Bill  Esqr. 


256  City  Document  No.  170. 

Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
Judge  Sewall 
The  Gentn.  the  Representatives 

of  Boston. 
The  Revd.  Dr.  Sewall 

Dr.  Chauncey 
Mr.  Prince 
Mr.  Eliot 
Mr.  Cooper 

Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Charles  Apthorp  Esqr. 
Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
John  Hill  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Storer 
Mr.  James  Pitts 
Mr.  Joseph  Sherburn 
Mr.  John  Tudor 
Mr.  Peter  Chardon 
Mr.  David  Jeffries 
And  found  that  in  the  South  Grammar  School  there  was  120 
Scholars,  in  the  South  Writing  School  320  Scholars,  in  the  Writing 
School   in  Queen   Street   there  were  85    Scholars,  in   the   North 
Grammar  School  43  Scholars,  and  in  the  North  Writing  School 
280  Scholars,  all  in  very  good  order. 

Samuel  Grant  ~) 

Thomas  Hill 

Joshua  Henshaw       )-  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Joseph  Jackson 

Samuel  Hewes  J 

Read  and  Accepted,  and  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Select- 
men be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Visit  the  Schools  this  present 
year,  &  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  as  they  shall 
think  proper. 

[347.]  The  Committee  appointed  tne  11th.  of  March  last,  to 
Enquire  what  Fines  have  been  paid  into  the  Town  Treasury  for 
several  years  past,  when  they  were  paid,  by  whom,  and  the  re- 
spective Sums  so  paid,  and  to  Consider  what  Method  the  Inhabi- 
tants had  best  take  to  recover  such  Fines  as  they  judge 
may  be  now  due  to  the  Town,  now  Report,  That  the  Fines  paid 
into  the  Town  Treasury  from  the  13th.  of  June  1739,  to  this  day, 
by  several  of  His  Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  Sheriffs 
Am°.  to  £539  ,,  12  ,,  8.  Old  tenor,  &  £43  ,,  8  ,,  6.  lawful  money, 
as  by  a  particular  Acco*.  thereof,  and  of  the  Names  of  the  Persons 
who  paid  the  same,  which  said  Committee  exhibited  to  the  Town 
appears,  and  as  those  Justices  who  have  paid,  did  never  render 
legal  Accompts,  and  as  many  others  have  never  yet  paid  any  Sum 
into  the  Treasury,  and  from  whom  said  Committee  apprehended 
there  is  considerable  due,  they  further  report  as  their  Opinion  that 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1754.  257 

the  best  Method,  the  Town  can  take  to  Obtain  what  is  due  to  them, 
is  to  direct  the  Treasurer  of  the  Town  to  Prosecute  such  Justices 
as  are  living,  and  the  Heirs  Excors  or  Adrnors — of  such  as  are 
Deced —  in  the  manner  the  Law  directs  at  the  next  Inf  eriour  Court 
to  be  held  for  this  County,  in  case  they  don't  by  the  tenth  of  June 
next,  render  a  legal  Acco*.  to  him  and  pay  the  Sums  that  shall 
thereupon  appear  to  be  respectively  clue  from  them  to  the  Town, 
which  Report  being  Read  and  Debated,  Voted,  that  the  same  be 
Accepted  with  the  following  Amendment,  Viz'.  That  the  Treasurer 
be  directed  to  wait,  on  such  Justices  of  the  Town  as  are  living, 
and  the  Heirs  Excors  —  or  Adrnors  —  of  such  as  are  Deced,  —  and 
require  of  them  an  Acco'.  of  the  Fines  they  have  not  paid,  and 
those  that  do  not  render  to  him  a  legal  Acco'.  and  pay  the  Fines 
thereon  due,  to  the  Town  by  said  tenth  of  June,  said  Treasurer  is 
hereby  directed  to  prosecute  in  the  Law  for  the  same,  at  the 
Inferiour  Court  of  Common  pleas  to  be  held  at  Boston  in  July 
next. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Barber  was  chose  an  Assessor  in  the  room  of  Mr. 
John  Winslow,  chose  in  March  last,  who  is  Excused. 

Mr.  Henry  Allen  was  chose  Surveyor  of  Boards,  in  the  room  of 
M  .  Benjamin  Russell,  chose  in  March  last,  and  Excus'd. 

The  Petition  of  James  Allen  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Andrew  Oliver  junr. 
praying  a  Road  may  be  laid  out  adjoining  to  their  Lands  in  the 
Common,  was  read,  and  after  a  short  Debate  thereon. 

Voted  that  said  Petition  be  Dismissed. 

[348.]  The  Petition  of  a  great  Number  of  Inhabitants  living 
at  the  Southerly  part  of  the  Town,  setting  forth,  that  the  two 
Southerly  burying  places  in  the  Town,  are,  and  for  many  years 
past,  have  been  so  crowded  with  Dead  bodies,  that  it  is  scarcely 
possible  for  the  Sextons  to  dig  a  Grave  as  it  ought  to  be  Dug,  but 
what  they  must  necessarily  disturb  the  Ashes  of  two  or  three  or 
more,  and  it  is  very  often  the  Case  that  fresh  Corps  are  dug  up, 
that  have  not  been  long  interr'd,  which  sight  is  scarcely  decent, 
And  forasmuch  also  as  many  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  South  end 
have  a  great  way  to  carry  their  Dead,  which  renders  it  very  incon- 
venient &c.  said  Petitioners  pray  that  the  Town  will  be  pleased  to 
take  the  Affair  into  their  Consideration,  and  appoint  a  meet  num- 
ber of  Persons  to  fix  upon  a  suitable  place  for  a  Burying  place  at 
the  South  End,  and  make  return  of  their  doings  therein  as  soon  as 
may  be,  or  otherwise  as  the  Town  may  think  most  convenient,  by 
which  many  difficulties  and  Inconveniences  may  be  avoided,  said 
Petition  was  Read,  and  thereupon 

It  was  Voted  that  Thomas  Hancock  &  Thomas  Greene  Esqrs. 
Mr.  Jacob  Parker,  John  Hill  and  John  Phillips  Esq",  be  and  they 
hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  said  Petition, 
and  view  such  places  at  the  South  part  of  the  Town,  as  they  shall 
judge  best  for  a  Burial  place  there,  and  Report  their  Opinion  of 
the  same  to  the  Town  as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Pearson  pra}-ing  an  Allowance  may  be 
made  him  for  his  House  blown  up,  to  stop  the  great  Fire  that 
happen'd  in  the  Year  1C90.  was  read  and  Voted  that  the  same  be 
dismiss'd. 


258  City  Document  No.  170. 

The  Petition  of  James  Fairservice  relating  to  the  Sweeping  of 

Chimnies,  was  Read 

Voted  that  the  same  be  dismiss'd. 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be 
and  hereby  are  desired  at  the  next  Session  of  the  General  Court, 
to  move  that  they  may  have  liberty  to  bring  in  a  Bill,  that  some 
Method  be  taken  so  far  as  may  be  to  prevent  the  frequent  Firing 
of  Chimnies. 

[349.]  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the 
Town  be  and  hereby  they  are  desired  to  Use  their  utmost  Endeav- 
ours and  Influence  in  the  General  Court,  to  prevent  a  Bill  now  de- 
pending there,  for  granting  certain  Liberties  and  Immunities  to  the 
Company  of  Cadets,  under  the  Command  of  Col0.  Pollard,  being 
pass'd  into  a  Law. 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Three  Thousand  Pounds  lawful  money,  be 
rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston, 
for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges 
arising  within  the  Town  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Charles  Apthorp,  Thomas  Hancock,  Samuel  Welles 
Thomas  Greene  and  John  Erving  Esqr.  Mr.  William  Cooper  and 
Dr.  William  Clarke,  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Commit- 
tee to  Consider  of  some  Method  of  lessening  the  Publick  Taxes  of 
the  Town,  and  particularly  the  Charge  of  the  Poor  at  the  Alms- 
house, which  the  Committee  are  desired  fully  to  Enquire  into,  as 
also  whether  there  can  be  some  easier  Method  found  for  raising 
the  Moneys  necessary  for  paying  the  Publick  Charges,  than  by  the 
common  way  of  Taxing  the  People. 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be 
and  hereby  are  desired  to  move  to  the  General  Court  at  their  next 
Sessions,  that  a  general  Valuation  of  Estates  in  the  Province  may 
be  taken  this  year,  and  that  they  Urge  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town,  may  be  allowed  to  bring  in  a  Valuation  of  their  Eistates  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  Inhabitants  of  other  Towns  do. 

The  Petition  of  Gilbert  and  Lewis  Deblois  was  read,  Setting 
forth,  that  the  Petitioners  about  two  or  three  years  since  Purchased 
a  Peice  of  Land  in  Boston  bounded  on  One  side  on  Hanover 
Street,  and  on  another  on  Queen  Street,  that  they  have  since 
Erected  a  Brick  Dwelling  house  on  said  Land,  &  finding 
the  Streets  there  to  be  very  narrow,  they  took  out  of  their  own 
Land  about  Three  feet  in  Wedth,  and  about  Sixty  nine  feet  in 
length  and  added  it  to  Hanover  Street,  so  that  two  Carts  or  Car- 
riages may  now  pass  with  safety,  that  Queen  Street  where  the 
Petitioners  House  stands  is  very  narrow,  and  two  Carts  can't  pass 
at  the  same  time  without  great  danger,  that  there  are  several 
Shops  or  Buildings  [350.]  Belonging  to  the  Town  that  are 
the  other  side  of  said  Street,  and  now  very  much  out  of  repair, 
and  as  they  must  soon  be  repaired,  the  Petitioners  would  be  very 
glad  if  the  Town  would  then  take  off  such  a  part  thereof  as  may 
be  judged  necessary  for  Widening  said  Street,  which  the  Peti- 
tioners apprehended  would  save  some  Expence  in  the  repairs, 
and  make  the  Shops  so  much  more  convenient,  as  they  will  fetch 
equal  Rent  to  what  they  now  do,  they  being  now  very  deep  and 


Boston  Town  Records,  1754.  259 

dark,  but  if  the  Town  should  not  incline  to  repair  said  Buildings, 
and  make  this  Addition  to  the  Street,  which  the  Petitioners  can't 
but  think  they  will,  considering  what  they  have  already  done 
for  Widening  Hanover  Street,  the  Petitioners  proposed  that 
the  Town  would  grant  to  them  a  Lease  for  Twenty  or  Thirty  years 
of  the  Lands  and  Shops  belonging  to  the  Town  there,  upon  such 
terms  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  a  Committee  chose  by  the  Town, 
and  the  Petitioners  they  having  the  liberty  in  repairing  to  make 
such  Alterations  in  said  Shops  as  they  and  said  Committee  shall 
judge  to  be  best  both  for  Widening  said  Street  and  the  Conven- 
ience of  the  Shops,  and  as  this  must  be  a  manifest  advantage  to 
the  Town,  the  Petitioners  prayed  the  same  might  be  now  taken 

into    Consideration    and   Acted  upon  accordingly and   after 

some  Debate  thereon  It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they 
hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  of  this  Petition,  and 
Report  as  soon  as  may  be,  what  they  apprehend  it  best  for  the 
Town  to  do  thereon. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  &  twenty  Pounds  lawful 
money  be  Allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Peleg  Wis  wall  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  year, 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Ex- 
piration of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  &  twenty  Pounds  lawful 
money,  be  Allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  John  Lovell  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expi- 
ration of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  lawful  [351.] 
Money  be  Allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  Master  of 
the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  lawful  money  be 
Allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Zechariah  Hicks,  Master  of  the  North 
Writing  School  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  be  paid  quarterly  and  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  Allowed 
to  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  Master  of  the  Writing  School  in  Queen 
Street  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  Com- 
mence at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  Allowed 
to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gardner  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar  School  for 
the  ensuing  year,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  Commence  at 
the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Seventy  Pounds  lawful  money  be  Allowed 
to  Mr.  Samuel  Holbrook  as  One  of  the  Masters  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  be  paid  him  quar- 
terly, as  it  shall  become  due. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  Allowed  to  Mr.  John 
Procter  junr.  as  Usher  of  the  North  Writing  School  for  the  ensuing 
year,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due. 

Voted  that  the   Sum   of  Thirty  four  Pounds  lawful  money  be 


260  City  Document  No.  170. 

Allowed  to  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  Master  of  the  South  Writing 
School  in  the  Common  for  such  Usher  as  he  shall  Employ  in  said 
School. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  lawful  money  be 
Allowed  to  Mr.  David  Jeffries  for  his  Services  as  Treasurer  of 
the  Town  for  the  year  past,  and  for  all  his  Expenccs  in  that 
Office. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  Allowed 
to  Mr.  Abijah  Adams,  for  his  Services  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall 
Market,  the  year  past. 

Voted  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Towi  be  and  hereby 
is  given  to  the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  for  transacting  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[352.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warn'd  in  Pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  7th. 
day  of  August  A.D.  1754. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

The  Honble.  James  Allen  Esq1',  was  chose  Moderator  by  a  handy 
Vote. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  know  the  minds  of  the 
Inhabitants  with  regard  to  a  Bill  now  depending  in  the  General 
Court  laying  an  Excise  on  the  private  Consumption  of  Wines  and 
Spirits  distill'd,'"'  was  taken  into  Consideration,  and  the  Abstract  of 
said  Bill,  and  Governour  Shirleys  Speech  relating  to  it,  being 
read  a  long  Debate  thereon  was  had,  and  it  was  unanimously 
Voted 

1st.  That  ib  is  the  sense  of  the  Town  that,  that  part  of  the  Excise 
Bill  contain'd  in  the  Abstract  now  read,  is  contrary  to  those  Prin- 
ciples upon  which  Our  happy  Constitution  is  founded,  as  well  as 
destructive  of  those  Privil edges  which  it  Warrants  and  Defends, 
that  it  is  Vexatious  and  Oppressive  and  tends  to  Weaken  the  just 
Authority  of  an  Oath,  and  to  prejudice  the  Morals  of  the  Com- 
munity. 

2ly.  Voted  unanimously  that  Thanks  be  returned  to  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governour,  for  his  Paternal  Goodness  and  wise  Conduct 
in  relation  to  said  Bill,  &  that  his  Excellency  be  requested  still  to 
continue  his  Care  for  Us  in  this  respect. 

3ly.  Voted  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and 
hereby  is  given  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town 
for  the  strenuous  Opposition  they  made  to  said  Bill,  and  that  they 
be  desired  still  to  Use  their  utmost  Endeavours  to  prevent  said  Bills 
being  pass'd  into  a  Law. 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr.  Informed  the  Town,  that  a  considerable 
number  of  Gentlemen,  Merchants  and  others  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town  waited  upon  His  Excellency  Governour  Shirley  in  December 
1745,  with  their  Address  of  Congratulation  to  him  upon  his  safe 
Arrival  from  Louisbourg  [353.]  And  requested  of  him  to  permit 
'em  to  have  his  Picture  drawn  at  their  Expence,  with  a  design  of 
preserving  it  in  this  Town  as  a  Memorial  of  his  Excellencys  publick 


Boston  Town  Records,   1754.  261 

Services  ;  which  mark  of  their  respect  his  Excellency  was  pleas'd 
to  Accept ;  And  as  His  Excellency  among  other  Instances  of  his 
Paternal  Care  of  the  People  of  this  Province,  hath  lately  given  a 
most  signal  proof  of  his  tender  regard  for  their  Civil  rights  by 
interfering  in  favour  of  them,  on  Occasion  of  the  Bill  of  Excise 
pass'd  by  both  Houses  of  the  Great  and  General  Court  in  June 
last,  and  of  his  Vigilance  and  unwearied  Attention  for  securing 
the  Province  against  the  repeated  Ravages  of  the  Eastern  Indians, 
and  Incroachments  of  the  French  in  his  late  Successful  Expedition 
for  that  purpose  into  the  Eastern  parts,  The  said  Gentlemen  and 
Merchants   now  offer  to  make  the  Town  a  present  of  the  said 

Picture  to  be  hung  up  in    Faneuil   Hall. It  was   thereupon 

unanimously. 

Voted  that  the  aforesaid  Offer  be  Accepted,  and  that  His  Excel- 
lences said  Picture  be  hung  up  in  Faneuil  Hall  as  a  Memorial  of 
Publick  Respect  and  Gratitude  to  him  for  his  aforesaid  Services. 

Also  Voted  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and 
hereby  is  given  to  those  Gentlemen  and  Merchants  who  were  at 
the  Expence  of  having  his  Excellency  Governour  Shirleys  Pictwre 
drawn,  now  Ordered  to  be  hung  up  in  Faneuil  Hall. 

Voted  unanimously  that  an  Address  of  Thanks  be  presented  to 
his  Excellency  the  Governour  upon  his  return  from  the  Eastern 
parts  of  the  Province,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to 
prepare  an  Address  accordingly,  and  lay  it  before  the  Town  at  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Affair  of  appointing  a  Master  for  the  Writing  School  in 
Queen   Street,  in   the   room   of   Mr.    Samuel   Holbrook  who  has 

resign'd,    was  taken  into  Consideration and  Voted  that  the 

Selectmen  have  the  Appointment  of  a  Master  for  said  School  for 
the  remaining  part  of  the  present  year. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Shillings  be  Allowed  and  paid 
out  of  the  Treasury  to  Mr.  Samuel  Holbrook  for  Supplying  the 
Scholars  with  Ink  during  the  Time  he  was  Master  of  the  School  in 
Queen  Street. 

[354.]  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the 
17th.  of  September  next,  at  Nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  the 
same  was  Adjourn'd  accordingly. 

September  17.  1 754.  The  Inhabitants  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  15th.  of  May  last  on 
the  Petition  of  Gilbert  and  Lewis  Deblois,  now  reported  that  they 
had  Viewed  the  Street  mentioned  in  said  Petition  and  the  Towns 
Shops  there  and  conferral  several  times  with  the  Petitioner,  and 
judge  that  it  will  not  be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  grant  a 
Lease  for  any  term  of  said  Shops,  but  think  it  best,  that  the  Street 
there  should  be  Widened  by  taking  off  about  three  feet  of  the 
Shops,  but  as  the  Expence  of  doiug  it,  will  Amount  to  about 
Twenty  Pounds  more  than  repairing  them  as  they  now  stand,  over 
and  above  the  loss  of  part  of  the  Towns  Shop  in  Mr.  Tuckermans 
Possession,  in  the  length  of  it,  they  leave  it  to  the  Town  to  Act 
therein,  as  they  shall  apprehend  best,  which  Report  being  read, 
Mr.  Gilbert  Deblois  One  of  the  Petitioners    desired  to  be  heard 


262  City  Document  No.  170. 

thereupon,  and  he  being  accordingly  heard,  a  debate  ensued  there- 
upon, &  afterwards  said  Gilbert  Deblois  made  the  following  Pro- 
posal to  the  Town  Viz1.  That  if  the  the  Town  will  take  off  about 
three  feet  from  said  Shops  in  order  to  Widen  said  Street,  as  it  will 
for  the  future  better  Accommodate  his  House,  the  Petitioners  will 
in  Consideration  thereof  give  to  the  Town  Thirteen  Pounds  Six 
Shillings  &  Eight  pence  lawful  money.     Whereupon  It  was 

Voted  that  upon  said  Petitioners  paying  that  Sum  the  said 
Street  be  Widen'd,  by  taking  off  about  three  feet  from  said  Shops, 
which  three  feet  is  forever  hereafter  to  remain  open  and  part  of 
said  Street. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  15th.  of  May  last,  on  the  Petition 
of  sundry  Inhabitants  living  at  the  South  part  of  the  Town  for  a 
Burying  place  there,  Reported  that  they  had  Viewed  several  places 
at  the  South  part  of  the  Town  in  order  to  have  a  Burial  place  there, 
and  find  the  most  suitable  and  Commodious  to  be  that  part  of  the 
late  Col0.  Fitch's  Pasture  at  the  bottom  of  the  Common  that  now 
belongs  to  Mr.  Andrew  Oliver  junr.  and  upon  Conferring  [355.] 
With  him,  the  Committee  find,  that  to  Accommodate  the  Town  he 
will  Consent  to  dispose  of  it,  on  such  terms  as  shall  be  Agreed 
upon,  between  him  and  the  Town,  said  Report  being  Read, 

It  was  Voted  that  the  Same  be  Accepted,  and  said  Committee 
are  desired  and  Impowered  to  Treat  with  Mr.  Oliver  relating  to  the 
Price  of  Said  Land,  and  to  Report  the  same  to  the  Town,  as  soon  as 
may  be,  for  their  Confirmation. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  7th.  of  August  last, 
to  prepare  an  Address  of  Thanks  to  his  Excellency  Governour 
Shirley,  now  Reported  a  Draft  of  the  same,  which  was  Read,  and 
is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

To  His  Excellency  William  Shirley  Esqr.  Captain  General 
Governour  and  Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  His  Majesty's 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England. 

The  humble  Address  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston. 
May  it  please  your  Excellency, 

His  Majesty's  most  Loyal  &  Dutiful  Subjects  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  General  Town  Meeting  Assembled,  beg 
leave  to  Express  their  sincere  Joy  at  your  Excellency's  safe  and 
happy  Arrival  from  the  Eastward. 

We  Congratulate  your  Excellency  upon  the  Success  with  which 
the  Execution  of  that  Plan  which  }tou  have  laid  to  Attach  the 
Indians  in  those  parts  to  His  Majesty's  Interest,  and  to  prevent 
the  Encroachments  of  the  French  has  been  hitherto  attended. 

Your  Excellency's  late  seasonable  Interposition  in  favour  of  the 
Natural  Rights  of  Englishmen,  so  greatly,  tho'  We  trust  not  wil- 
fully, affected  by  the  late  Excise  Bill,  affords  us  the  most  convincing 
proofs  of  the  Rectitude  of  your  Excellency's  Sentiments  and  the 
Affection  of  your  Patriot  heart  for  that  Constitution,  which  sweet- 
ens, improves  and  Exalts  every  other  blessing  of  Life. 

We  cannot  feel  the  decay  of  Our  Commerce,  and  the  many 
Burdens  wbich  this  Town  labour  under,  without  the  most  Melan- 
cholly  Impressions,  but  these  admit  of  some  Alleviations  from  your 


Boston  Town  Records,  1754.  263 

Excellency's  wise  and  vigorous  Endeavours  to  preserve  Our  dearer 
Liberties  neither  is  it  in  Our  power  to  relish  that  Relief  with 
regard  to  the  former  which  must  necessarily  grow  out  of  [356.] 
Those  Methods  which  tend  to  destroy  the  Latter. 

We  would  hope  that  the  Honourable  Court  may  upon  mature 
Consideration  find  reason  to  alter  their  Judgmeut  respecting  this 
Affair,  which  if  they  should  renew  and  insist  upon,  We  humbly 
apprehend  will  be  attended  with  the  most  Mischievous  Con- 
sequences, unless  your  Excellency  should  finally  refuse  your  Sanc- 
tion to  it. 

The  Noble  Pattern  your  Excellency  has  in  this  Affair  held  up  to 
Our  view,  highten'd  by  your  Situation  in  Government  and  Aug- 
mented by  your  Connection  with  the  Prerogative,  convinces  us  of 
the  tender  regard  you  have  for  the  Liberties  of  this  People,  and 
will  not  we  hope  be  ever  forgotten, 

And  as  this  particular  Instance  of  your  Excellency's  Goodness 
added  to  Our  past  Experience  of  your  known  Abilities  has  in- 
creas'd  Our  Confidence  in  your  Administration,  it  shall  be  Our 
study  to  Afford  your  Excellency  all  those  Demonstrations  of  Duty 
and  Affection,  which  Truth  and  Justice  require,  and  your  Excel- 
lency's wise  &  good  Conduct  will,  we  doubt  not,  Secure  and  Per- 
petuate. 
Boston  Septr.  17th.  1754. 

And  thereupon. 

It  was  unanimously  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  that 
a  fair  Copy  thereof,  be  prepared  and  Signed  by  the  Town  Clerk 
and  that  the  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing, and  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are 
appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  His  Excellency,  and  in  the 
Name  of  the  Town,  Present  the  same  to  him. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be 
refer'd  over  to  the  next  Town  Meeting,  to  be  then  Considered  of 
and  Acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[357.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  Warned  in  Pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the 
17th.  day  of  September,  A.D.  1754. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

The  HonWe.  James  Allen  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  for  which  this  Meeting  was  called 
Viz1.  "  To  Determine  whether  the  Town  will  take  upon  them  the 
Defence  of  a  Suit  brought  against  the  Assessors  by  Andrew  Oliver 
Esqr.  and  Mr.  William  Phillips,  and  also  any  other  Suits  that  may 

be  brought  against  them  of  the  like  nature," was  taken  into 

Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 

It  was  Voted  that  the  Town  will  Defend  them  in  the  Suit  afore- 
said, and  all  other  Suits  that  shall  hereafter  be  brought  against 
them  of  the  like  nature. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourn'd  to  Friday 
the  1 1th.  of  October  next,  at  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 


264  City  Document  No.  170. 

Friday  the  11th.  of  October,  the  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  17th.  of  September  last,  to  present 
the  Address  of  Thanks  to  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  Reported 
that  they  had  done  the  same,  and  that  his  Excellency  was  pleas'd 
to  give  them  the  following  Answer,  Viz*. 
Gentlemen, 

I  Thank  you  for  this  Address  ;  The  sense  which  you  there 
Express  of  my  Attention  to  His  Majesty's  Service,  and  the  pres- 
ervation of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  his  People  within  this  Gov- 
ernment, give  me  a  solid  Satisfaction ;  nor  can  I  pass  over  in 
Silence  your  late  Vote  for  placing  my  Picture  in  Faneuil  Hall, 
with  which  your  Selectmen  acquainted  me,  without  Acknowledging 
the  pleasure,  I  feel  from  that  publick  mark  of  your  respect  for  me. 

Whenever  it  may  be  in  my  power  to  contribute  towards  reviving 
the  decay'd  Trade,  and  easing  the  Burthens  of  this  Town,  which 
you  mention  in  your  Address,  I  shall  gladly  [358.]  Embrace  the 
Opportunity,  and  you  may  be  assur'd,  that  my  Duty  to  the  King, 
and  the  Welfare  of  his  good  People  within  this  Province  shall  ever 
be  the  Rule  of  my  Administration. 

W.  Shirley. 

To  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants, 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  General  Town 
Meeting  Assembled. 

Province-house 

Septr.  19th.  1754. 

Voted  that  His  Excellency's  Answer  be  Enter'd  upon  the  Records 
of  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  17th.  of  September  last  to  Confer 
with  Mr.  Andrew  Oliver  junr.  relating  to  the  Purchase  Considera- 
tion of  a  Peice  of  Land  belonging  to  him  at  the  bottom  of  the 
Common  for  a  Burial  place  —  Reported,  that  Mr. Oliver  was  willing 
to  Sell  the  same  to  the  Town  for  Two  Hundred  Pounds  lawful 
money,  which  Sum  said  Committee  apprehend  to  be  a  very  reason- 
able price,  which  being  read It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be 

Accepted also  Voted  that  upon  said  Andrew  Olivers  Executing 

a  good  and  legal  Deed  of  said  Lands  to  the  Town,  the  Selectmen 
be  and  hereby  are  directed  to  give  M1'.  Oliver  a  Draft  on  the 
Treasury  for  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  Pounds  lawful  money,  and 
in  case  it  should  so  happen  that  the  Treasurer  cannot  Discharge 
said  Draft  in  three  months,  that  he  then  be  and  hereby  is  Impow- 
ered  to  take  up,  on  Interest  said  Sum,  or  such  part  thereof  as  he 
shall  want,  and  pay  the  same  to  Mr.  Oliver  for  said  Lands  accord- 
ingly. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Affairs  that  remain  unfinished  be 
and  hereby  are  refer'd  over  to  the  next  Town  Meeting  for  Con- 
sideration. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[359.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  Publick 


Boston  Town  Records,  1755.  265 

Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Friday  the  third 
day  of  January  A..D.  1755. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

John  Phillips  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  by  a 
written  Vote. 

The  Petition  of  a  great  Number  of  Inhabitants  for  calling  this 
Meeting  was  Read. 

The  Act  of  the  Province  lately  pass'd,  Entitled  An  Act  for 
granting  unto  his  Majesty  an  Excise  upon  Spirits  distill'd,  and 
Wines,  and  upon  Limes  Lemmons  and  Oranges  was  read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  Viz1.  "To  Consider  and 
Determine  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  do,  in  relation  to 
An  Act  lately  pass'd  the  General  Court,  Entitled  An  Act  for  grant- 
ing unto  his  Majesty  an  Excise  upon  Spirits  distill'd,  and  Wines, 
and  upon  Limes  Lemmons  &  Oranges."  and  after  some  Debate 
thereon,  It  was  unanimously 

Voted  that  the  Town  will  make  Application  at  Home  in  order  to 
prevent  said  Acts  obtaining  the  Royal  Assent. 

And  then  It  was  Voted  that  an  Agent  be  chose  by  the  Town  to 
appear  in  their  behalf  at  Home,  in  order  to  prevent  said  Acts  ob- 
taining the  Royal  Assent. 

Voted  unanimously,  that  Christopher  Kilby  of  London  Esqr.  be 
and  hereby  is  appointed  Agent  for  the  Town,  and  he  is  hereb}' 
fully  Authorized  and  Impowered  to  appear  on  behalf  of  the  Town, 
and  to  Use  his  utmost  Endeavours  to  prevent  said  Acts  obtaining 

the   Royal   Assent Also   Voted   unanimously   that    the    said 

Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  be  and  hereby  is  appointed  Agent  for  the 
Town  in  any  other  Matters  and  Affairs  that  the  Town  are  con- 
cerned in,  or  may  hereafter  have  depending  in  Londou,  said  Agent 
to  Conduct  himself  according  to  such  directions  and  Instructions 
as  he  may  from  time  to  time  receive  from  the  Town  relating  to 
said  Affairs. 

[360.]  Voted  that  John  Phillips  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen,  Charles  Apthorp  Richard 
Dana  and  Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  Mr.  William  Cooper  Mr.  Royal 
Tyler  and  Mr.  Isaac  Walker  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee forthwith  to  forward  the  Letter  now  read  to  Mr.  Agent 
Kilby,  and  to  make  such  further  Additions  thereto  as  they  may 
judge  proper.  Also  Voted  that  said  Committee  transmit  to  the 
Agent,  Governour  Shirleys  Speech  made  by  him  the  17th.  of  June 
last,  relating  to  said  Act,  and  such  other  Papers  as  they  shall  judge 
requisite. 

Voted  that  Christopher  Kilby  Esqr.  be  paid  all  such  Expence 
and  Charge,  as  he  shall  be  at  from  time  to  time,  in  transact- 
ing the  Affairs  of  the  Town  as  their  Agent,  and  that  he  also  have 
an  honourable  Allowance  made  him  for  his  Care  and  Trouble. 

Voted  that  the  Committee  aforesaid  be  and  they  hereby  are 
desired  to  Apply  to  the  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for 
the  Copy  of  a  Letter  by  them  Wrote  to  Mr.  Agent  Bollan  relating 
to  the  Act  aforesaid. 

Voted  that  if  any  of  the  Towns  in  the  Province  shall  desire  a 


266  City  Document  No.  170. 

Copy  of  the  Votes  now  pass'd,  and  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Meet- 
ing, it  be  given  to  them. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  that  remain  unfinish'd  be  refer'd  to  the 
next  Town  Meeting,  to  be  then  Acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  Publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  17th.  day  of 
January  A.D.  1755. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  Read. 

Voted  that  the  Town  will  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  some  suitable 
Person  to  Represent  them  in  the  General  Court,  in  the  room  of 
the  late  Honble.  James  Allen  Esqr.  Deced  —  . 

[361.]  The  Selectmen  having  declared  to  the  Inhabitants 
that  the  Poll  would  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock The  Inhabi- 
tants withdrew  and  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Representative, 
and  upon  sorting  'em  it  appeared  there  was  in  all  523  Voters,  and 
that  Mr.  John  Tyng  had  347  Votes,  Whereupon  it  was  declared 
b}7  the  Selectmen  that  said  John  Tyng  was  duly  Elected. 

The  Town  then  chose  John  Phillips  Esqr.  for  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  that 
Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz*.  "  To  Determine  what  Instructions  the 
Town  will  give  to  their  Representatives  respecting  a  general  Plan 
for  Uniting  the  several  Governments  on  the  Continent,  now  under 

the  Consideration  of  of  the  General  Court." And  an  Extract 

of  said  Plan  as  agreed  upon  by  the  Commissioners  of  the  several 
Governments  on  the  Continent  at  Albany  in  June  last,  and  a  Re- 
port of  the  Committee  of  the  General  Court  of  this  Province,  being 
Read,  and  a  long  Debate  had  thereupon, 

It  was  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  half  an  hour 
after  two  o'clock  this  Afternoon,  and  that  this  Affair  be  then 
further  Debated  and  Considered  of,  and  the  Meeting  was  Adjourn'd 
to  that  time  accordingly. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Debate  in  the  forenoon  relating  to  the  Union  was  resum'd 
and  the  Extract  of  the  Plan  aforesaid,  and  said  Report  of  the 
Committee  was  read,  and  after  a  very  long  Debate 

It  was  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the 
Town  be  and  hereby  are  Instructed  to  Use  their  utmost  Endeav- 
ours to  prevent  the  Plan  now  under  Consideration  of  the  General 
Court  for  an  Union  of  the  several  Governments  on  the  Continent 

taking  Effect, And  that  they  also  Oppose  any  other  Plan  for 

an  Union  that  may  come  under  the  Consideration  of  said  General 
Court,  whereby  they  shall  Apprehend  the  Liberties  and  Priviledges 
of  the  People  are  Endangered. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  refer'd  over  to  this  Meeting  that  remain 
unfinish'd,  be  further  refer'd  to  the  next  Town  Meeting,  to  be  then 
Acted  upon. 

Thanks  were  Voted  the  Moderator. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1755.  267 

[36 1|.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  &  warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  tenth 
day  of  March  A.D.  1755. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Ebenezer  Pemberton 
The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 
Sundry  Laws  Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  written 
Vote  and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted  it  appear'd  that 
the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq1',  was  unanimously  chose,  and  he 
accordingly  took  the  Oath  Required  by  the  Act  of  the  27th.  Year 
of  His  present  Majesty  relating  to  receiving  &  paying  Bills  of  the 
other  Governments. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  chose  unanimously  Town  Clerk  for  the 
Year  ensuing  and  having  taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of 
the  27th.  Year  of  His  present  Majesty's  Reign  relating  to  receiving 
and  paying  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  took  the 
Oath  of  Office  which  was  administred  to  him  by  Joshua  Winslow 
Esquire. 

The  Petitions  were  Read. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  seven  Selectmen 
and  the  Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted  it  appeared  that. 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr. 
Cap4.  Joseph  Jackson 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing 
Cap'.  Samuel  Hewes 
Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  chose  unanimously. 

[362.]  Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  twelve 
Constables  distinct  from  the  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Voted  that  not  more  that  two  Constables  that  served  the  last 
Year  should  be  now  chose  for  the  ensuing  Year. 

Voted  that  any  Person  that  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of  a 
Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing  be  excused  from  serving  in  that 
Office  provided  he  pay  into  the  Town  Treasury  Four  Pounds 
lawful  money. 

David  Jeffries  was  chose  Treasurer  for  the  ensuing  Year  and 
having  taken  the  Oath  Required  by  the  27th.  of  his  present  Majesty 
relating  to  his  receiving  and  paying  Bills  of  the  other  Govern- 
ments, took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
Duty,  which  were  administred  to  him  by  Jacob  Wendell  Esq1-. 
Mess".  Thomas  Child  Refuses  to  serve. 

Alexander  Cunningham  Excused 

James  Boies  . 
Andrew  Campbell 


Joseph  Calef  junr. 
Thomas  Carnes 
John  Pigeon  . 
William  Thompson 


Sworn 

Sworn 

Excused 

Excused 

Pay 

Excused 


Ebenezer  Lowell  Senr.       .     Pay 


268  City  Document  No.  170. 

John  Pattin Sworn 

Thomas  Pemberton      .     .     Excused 
Connelius  Durant    .     .     .     Excused 
were  chose  Constables 

The  Honble  Jacob  Wendell  Esq : 
John  Hill  Esq : 

The  Honble  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq : 
Daniel  Henchman  Esq : 
The  Honble  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
John  Phillips  Esq : 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
[362-|.]  Cap'.  Ebenezer  Storer 

Mr.  Joseph  Sherburne 
Cap'.  Nathaniel  Greenwood 
Mr.  Royall  Tyler 
were  chose  Overseers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  thanks  of  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto 
Mr.  John  Barrett  and  Mr.  John  Tudor  for  their  good  Overseers  as 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  several  Year  past. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer,  and  they  being  Collected  were  Sealed  up  by  a  Consta- 
ble Boyes  to  be  by  him  kept  and  returned  to  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  in  April  next. 

Mess".  James  Bailey Sworn 

Michael  Burn Excused 

Augustus  Hail Sworn 

John  Wells Sworn 

Samuel  Smith Sworn 

Samuel  Barret Excused 

were  chose  Constables. 

Messrs.  William  Fairfeild    * 
Nathaniel  Barber 
John  Kneeland 
Peter  Oliver 
Samuel  Edwards 
Benjamin  Church 
Isaac  White 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  twelve  Firewards 
for  the  Year  ensuing  and  the  Votes  being  Collected  and  sorted  it 
appeared  that  the  following  Persons  were  chose  Viz'. 
John  Phillips  Esqr : 
John  Hill  Esqr : 
Cap1.  Joseph  Jackson 
[363.]  Mr.  John  Scollay 

Majr :  Nath1  Thwing 

Cap*.  Hopestill  Foster 

Mr.  Royall  Tyler 

Cap*.  Thomas  James  Gruchy 

Mr.  Newman  Greennough 

Mr.  Joseph  Jackson  Truckman 


Boston  Town  Records,  1755.  269 

Mr.  John  Howe 
Mr.  AVilliam  Cooper 
Voted   that  this   Meeting   be  and   hereby   adjourned   to  three 
o'Clock  this  afternoon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

John  Gray.     Surveyor  of  Hemp. 
Messrs.  Robert  Ford 

Clement  Collins 

John  Grant 

Isaac  Vergoose 

William  Pain 

Isaac  White 

William  Nichols 

Joseph  Butler 

Andrew  Symmes 

Onesyphirus  Tilestone 

Moses  Eayres 

Henry  Alline 
[In  margin]  Surveyors  of  Boards  &  Ca. 
Messrs.  David  Spear 

Isaac  Fowle 

Joseph  Dyer 

John  Helyer 

Peter  Cotta 

Edward  Potter 

Robert  Treat 

Edward  Cowell 
[363£.]  John  Hobbs 

Samuel  Treat 
[In  margin]  Cullers  of  Staves  &  O. 
Mess13.  Holmes  Simpson 

John  Aish 

Abraham  Rogers 

David  Scudder 
[In  margin]  Hogreeves. 
Mess".  Belcher  Noyes 

John  Forsyth 

Jacob  Holyoke 

Nathan  Simpson 

John  Billings 

Thomas  Dawes 

Thomas  Wheeler 

After  Stoddard 

Alexander  Hill 

Benjamin  Fitch 

Daniel  Jones 

Benjamin  Harrod 
[In  margin]   Scavingers. 

Mess™.  John  Coverly Sworn 

Abijab  Adams Sworn 

Joseph  Gandall Excused 

Samuel  Harris Sworn 

[In  margin]  Constables. 


270  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mess"*  Story  Dawes 
Caleb  Ray 
William  Moore 
Benjamin  Russell 
Henry  Evans 
Nathaniel  Wales 
[In  margin]  Fence  Viewers 
Messrs.  Thomas  Hase 
John  Carter 
Samuel  Hastings 
[In  margin]   Sealers  of  Leather. 
Mess".  Nathaniel  Gardner 

Joseph  Belknap 
[In  margin]  Informers  of  Deer. 
[364.]  Mr.  Joseph  Curtis 

[In  margin]  Hay  ward. 
Surveyors  of  Highways.    [In  margin] 
The  Selectmen 
Mess".  David  Cutler 

Thomas  Foster 
[In  margin]  Assaymasters. 
The  Selectmen's  Report  on  the  Account  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past  as  entred  in  his  Book 
(and  on  file  in  the  Town  Clerk's  Office)  Read  &  Voted  that  the 
same  be  accepted  and  accordingly  that  Mr.  Fenno  be  further  ac- 
countable to  the  Town  for  224^  Bushells  of  Corn  ahd  12|-  Bushells 
of  Rye  remaining  unsold  amounting  to  twenty  two  pounds  fifteen 
shillings  and  eight  pence  three  farthings,  and  also  for  the  Sum  of 
Three  Hundred  and  fifty  eight  Pounds  eleven  shillings  and  five  pence 
one  farthing  Cash,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  three  hundred  &  eighty 
one  pounds  seven  shillings  and  two  pence  exclusive  of  the  Sum  of 
of  twenty  six  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  for  his  Salary  and 
Assistance  as  charged  in  said  Account  which  is  hereby  allowed  him. 
Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  Cap'.  Joseph  Jackson,  &  Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  chose  purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing.  The  said 
Committee  are  desired  and  impowred  to  give  all  needful  directions 
to  the  keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantities  of  Grain  to 
be  sold,  &  settling  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion 
may  Require. 

Mess".  Cornelius  Thayer 
John  Deming 
John  Winslow,  Hatter 
Daniel  Boyer 
Samuel  Austin 
Samuel  Dexter 
Moses  Peck 
Joseph  Waldo 
Joseph  Winslow 
Samuel  Downes 
Daniel  Eveleth 
William  Gray 
[In  margin]  Clerks  of  the  Market.  .    . 


Boston   Town  Kecords,  1755.  271 

[364£.]     Nothing  done  thereon.     Tythingmen.     [In  margin] 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  out  of  the  Treasmy  unto  Cap4.  Isaac  Dupee  for  his 
Services  as  Clerk  fo  Faneuil  Hall  Markett  for  the  Year  past. 

Cap1.  Isaac  Dupee.  Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Markett.   [In  margin] 

Messrs.  Peter  Barker Excused 

Thomas  Barker    ....     Pay 

Mess".  Isaiah  Barret Sworn 

Joseph  Shed Sworn 

[In  margin]  Constables. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  twelve  pence  on  the  pound  be  &  hereby  is 
allowed  to  be  paid  to  such  persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect, 
provided  they  pay  into  the  Town  Treasury  one  half  part  of  the 
whole  Sum  they  are  obliged  to  him  within  four  months  from  the 
time  they  receive  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other 
half  part  in  three  months  after  and  also  pay  into  the  province  and 
County  Treasury  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums  they  shall  be 
obliged  to  pay  them  Respectively  in  seven  months  from  the  time 
they  shall  receive  the  Tax  books  from  the  Assessors,  as  aforesaid 
&  the  other  half  part  in  five  months  after,  and  in  case  either  of 
said  Collectors  shall  fail  paying  in  manner  as  aforementioned,  the 
Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  intitled  to  the  aforesaid  Allowance 
of  twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  but  wholly  forfeit  the  same  pro- 
vided also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with  sufficient 
Surety's  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  their  Duty  in  said  Office,  and  complying  with  this 
Vote. 

Mess".  John  Ruddock 
James  Scutt 
Thomas  Downes  junr. 
Jonathan  Payson 
[In  margin]  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Voted  that  Mr.  Tyng  Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher  &  Thomas 
Greene  [365.]  Esqr.  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  revive  all  the  By  Laws  of  the  Town  now  in  force,  and 
alter  and  correct  the  same  as  they  shall  think  proper,  they  are  also 
desired  to  prepare  any  other  By  Laws  that  they  shall  judge  neces- 
sary for  the  better  Regulation  of  the  Town,  and  they  are  desired 
to  report  their  doings  thereon  to  the  Town  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  Ex- 
amine the  Powder  belonging  to  the  Town,  and  all  such  as  they 
shall  find  damaged  they  are  directed  to  cure  or  dispose  of  it. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  impowred  to 
make  an  Abatement  of  Taxes  to  the  first  day  of  April  next  and  no 
longer,  saving  that  they  have  liberty  to  sit  the  two  last  weeks  in 
November  next,  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  persons  as  shall 
appear  to  them  to  have  dj7ed,  or  been  out  of  Town,  &  could  not 
have  made  Application  to  them  before  said  first  day  of  April. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Assessors  have  liberty  to  sit  in  said  two 
weeks  in  November  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  persons  as 
shall  appear  to  them  to  have  become  Bankrupts  between  said  first 


272  City  Document  No.  170. 

day  of  April,  &  said  time  of  sitting,  &  which  the  Collectors  have 
endeavored  to  have  got  in,  but  could  not. 

The  Petition  of  several  Bellringers  of  the  Town  praying  that  an 
Addition  be  made  to  their  Allowance  for  ringing  the  Bells,  Read 
and  thereupon  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  forty  shillings  p  Annum  be 
allowed  them  in  the  whole  for  each  time  said  Bells  shall  be  rung. 

The  Petition  of  Hopestill  Foster  praying  that  the  Taxes  of 
William  Pitmau,  Elias  Delarue,  &  Peter  Oliver  who  were  taxed  in 
the  Year  1752  may  be  abated  him  for  reasons  therein  mentioned, 
was  read,  and  said  Foster  was  heard  thereupon,  Voted  that  the 
Taxes  of  said  persons  amounting  in  the  whole  to  eleven  pounds 
five  shillings  &  eleven  pence  be  abated  and  the  Selectmen  are 
hereby  directed  to  give  said  Foster  a  Draft  for  the  same  on  the 
Town  Treasury  accordingly. 

Voted  that  the  matters  and  things  that  now  remain  [365£.] 
unfinished  be  referred  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  for 
Consideration,  to  be  then  Acted  upon. 

Voted  Unanimously  thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given 
unto  the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this 
meeting,  for  transacting  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualifyed  and  warn'd  in  Publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  sixteenth  day  of 
May  A  D  1755. 

Pra}rer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Andrew  Eliot. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

Sundry  Laws  Read. 

Mr.  Samuel  Grant  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their  Names 
to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  one  or 
more  Persons  to  represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General  Court 
or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the  twenty 
eighth  Day  of  May  current,  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider  and 
ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  elected,  accordingly  it 
was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives,  and 
it  was  then  declared  that  the  Poll  would  be  clos'd  at  twelve 
o'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  492  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  following 
Gentlemen  were  chose  Viz'. 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.    .     .     .     373. 

Mr.  John  Tyng 367 

James  Bowdoin  Esqr 411 

Mr.  William  Cooper     ....     259 

[366.]  The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over  &  the 
same  declared  by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Mod- 
erator, and  upon  sorting  'em,  it  appeared  that  the  honourable 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  was  chose  by  a  great  Majority. 

Sundry  Petitions  Read 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 


Boston  Town  Records,   1755.  273 

the  Warrant  Viz*,  what  Instructions  shall  be  given  to  the  Repre- 
sentatives relating  to  such  Matters  as  may  come  under  the  Con- 
sideration of  the  General  Court  and  after  some  Debate  thereon 
Voted  that. 

Richard  Dana  Esqr. 

Mr.  Samuel  Grant 

Thomas  Greene  Esq : 

Mr.  Royal  Tyler  & 

Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  Draft 
of  such  Instructions  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  to  be  given  to 
the  Representatives  for  then*  Conduct  relating  to  such  Matters  as 
may  come  under  the  Consideration  of  the  General  Court  this  Year 
and  they  are  desired  to  report  the  same  at  the  adjournment  of  this 
Meeting. 

The  Petition  for  paving  Long  Lane  was  considered  and  after 
some  debate  thereon,  a  Question  was  put,  "Whether  any  part  of 
said  Lane  shall  be  pav'd  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town,  upon  the 
Abutters  paying  such  a  part  for  paving  the  remainder  as  the  Select- 
men shall  determine,  Voted  in  the  Negative,  and  thereupon  said 
Petition  was  dismis'd. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12th.  March  last  to  Audit  the 
Accompts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries  now  Reported  that  they  had 
attended  that  Service  and  found  the  same  right  cast'd  &  well 
vouch'd,  in  which  he  Charges  himself  with  Sundry  Fines  Rents  and 
other  Incomes  of  the  Town,  as  also  with  the  Tax  of  £3000  com- 
mitted to  the  Collectors  all  which  amounts  [366-|.]  (including  the 
Ballance  of  old  Accompt)  to  £7078,,  5,,  4,,  Ancl  the  said  Treas- 
urer discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abatements  made  the  Collectors, 
by  Drafts  made  by  the  Selectmen  amounting  £2177,,  2,, — 1,, — \ 
and  by  Drafts  made  by  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  which  contain 
the  Charges  of  the  Almshouse  &  Workhouse  amounting  to  £1454,, 
— 16,, — 9^  &c.  which  we  have  inspected  in  a  very  particular  man- 
ner by  examining  every  particular  Voucher  produced  by  the  Over- 
seers for  the  amount  of  that  Sum,  and  every  other  Branch  of  the 
public  Charge  all  amounting  to  £4254,, — 1,, — 2,,  f  by  which  it 
appears  that  when  all  the  Taxes  Rents  &  Incomes  of  the  Town 
are  in  the  ballance  will  be  £2824,,  — 4,, — li  which  the  said  Treas- 
urer is  further  to  Account  for,  as  appears  by  the  Tryal  Ballance  of 
said  Account  given  in  by  said  Committee  and  on  File  which  Report 
and  Accompt  being  read,  Voted  that  the  same  be  Accepted. 

And  Whereas  it  is  represented  by  said  Committee  that  there  has 
been  for  several  Years  part  small  Sums  of  money  due  to  the  Town 
from  Persons  that  are  dead  or  become  Bankrupts  which  have  been 
bro't  forward  in  the  Treasurers  Books  for  several  Years,  and  that 
there  is  no  prospect  of  ever  getting  any  part  of  them,  Therefore 
Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  and  hereby  is  directed  not  to  transfcrr 
such  Accompts  any  farther  but  that  he  ballance  tbe  same. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Petition  of  Jacob 
Wendell  Esqr.  praying  the  Town  would  make  him  a  Grant  of  so 
much  Lands  in  the  rear  of  his  Lands  near  Fort  hill  as  may  be 
judged  adequate  to  the  Lands  he  has  given  the  Town  for  widening 


274  Citt  Document  No.  170. 

the  Street  there,  as  in  said  Petition  is  sett  forth,  Voted  the  Select- 
men and  John  Steele  Esq :  and  Jonathan  Williams  be  &  they 
hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  of  this  Petition  and 
also  of  the  Reports  made  by  Committees  heretofore  appointed  by 
the  Town  relating  to  the  Disputes  the  Town  have  had  with  the 
said  Jacob  Wendell  Esq :  concerning  the  Lands  &ca.  near  the 
South  Battery  and  Report  to  the  Town  the  Circumstances  thereof 
and  what  they  judge  proper  to  be  done  thereupon,  at  the  annual 
Meeting  it  March  next. 

[367.]  The  Town  considered  the  Petition  of  John  Steele  and 
Jeremiah  Greene  Esq",  for  repairing  the  North  and  South  Batter- 
ies, and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be 
and  they  hereby  are  directed  and  impowered  to  make  such  Repairs 
at  the  North  &  South  Batteries  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  not 
exceeding  the  Sum  of  Four  hundred  Pounds  in  doing  the  same. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  for  paving  the  highway 
called  Still  house  Square  was  Read  &  thereupon  Voted,  that  the 
Sum  of  Twenty  six  Pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence,  be 
and  hereby  is  granted  towards  paving  said  highway  to  be  paid 
when  the  same  is  finish' d  provided  the  same  is  pav'd  from  Bells 
Corner  to  Sigourney's  Corner,  &  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Select- 
men  And  it  is  to   be   understood  that  notwithstanding   this 

Grant,  the  Town  do  not  accept  the  same  as  a  publick  highway  and 
that  they  will  not  be  at  any  future  Expence  for  repairing  the  same. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Four  Thousand  Pounds  lawful  money  be 
rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  relief  of  the  Poor  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges  aris- 
ing within  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year, 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  at  to  commence  at  the  Expira- 
tion of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  John  Lovell  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration 
of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  Pounds  lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Abia  Ilolbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  writing  School  in  the  Common  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid 
him  Quarterly,  &  to  commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter. 

[367£.]  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  Pounds  lawful 
money  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks  for  his  Salary 
as  Master  of  the  North  writing  School  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid 
him  Quarterly,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  Lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  Master  of  the  Writing  School 
in  Queen  Street  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  &  to 
Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 


'  Boston  Town  Kecords,  1755.  275 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gardner  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the 
South  Grammar  School  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly, 
and  to  commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  lawful  money  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  Mr.  John  Procter  junr.  for  his  Salary  as  one  of  the 
Masters  of  the  "Writing  School  in  Queen  street  the  ensuing  Year  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly  and  to  commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  Pounds  lawful  money  be 
allowed  to  Mr.  David  Jeffries  for  his  Services  as  Treasurer  of  the 
Town  the  Year  past  and  for  all  Expences  in  that  Office. 

Voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up  Instructions  for 
the  Representatives  particularly  Urge  it  upon  them  to  get  such 
part  of  the  Excise  Act  pass'd  the  General  Court  the  21st.  of  De- 
cember last  as  relates  to  the  private  Consumption  of  Liquors  &  Ca. 
repealed,  and  also  that  they  use  their  Utmost  Endeavours  that  a 
General  Valuation  of  rateable  Estates  throughout  the  Province 
may  be  taken  this  Year. 

Voted  that  is  the  Opinion  of  the  Town  that  if  the  Inhabitants 
will  give  in  to  the  Assessors  a  Valuation  of  their  rateable  Estates 
that  so  the  same  may  be  laid  before  the  General  Court  it  may  be  a 
means  of  their  obtaining  releif  as  to  their  paying  [368.]  so  large 
a  proportion  (as  they  now  do)  of  the  Publick  Taxes,  Also  Voted 
that  the  Inhabitants  be,  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  give  in  to 
the  Assessors  such  a  Valuation  according. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  Monday  the  26th.  inst'. 
at  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Monday  26  of  May  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Inhabitants 
mett  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  15th.  May  last  to 
visit  the  Schools  now  made  the  following  Report  Viz'. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  16  :   1755. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
15th.  of  May  last  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  publick 
Schools,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  therein 
as  the}'  shall  think  proper  do  now  Report, 

That  on  the  5th.  of  July  last  we  attended  that  Service  accompa- 
nied by  the  following  Gentleman  Viz'. 
The  Hon  :  Josiah  Willard  Esq1. 
Richard  Bill  Esqr. 
Joseph  Pyncheon  Esqr. 
John  Erving  Esqr. 
The  Gentn.  the  Representatives 
of  this  Town. 

The  Revd.  Dr  Sewall 

Mr.  Pemberton 
Mr.  Mather 
Mr.  Eliot 
Mr.  Checkley 


276  City  Document  No.  170. 

The  Gentlemen  the  Overseers 

of  the  Poor 

Thomas  Hancock  Esqr. 

John  Steele  Esqr. 

Mr.  David  Jeffries 
and  found  that  in  the  South  Grammar  School  there  was  120 
Scholars,  in  the  South  Writing  School  220  Scholars,  in  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  180  Scholars,  in  the  North  Grammar  School 
40  Scholars,  and  in  the  North  writing  School  240  Scholars,  all  in 
very  good  Order. 

Samuel  Grant 

Thomas  Hill 

Joshua  Henshaw 

Jos  :  Jackson  j-    Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Thomas  Cushing 

Samuel  Hewes 

John  S  coll  at 

[368^-.]  Read  and  Accepted  and  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the 
Selectmen  oe  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  Visit  the  Schools  this 
present  Year,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  as 
they  shall  think  proper. 

Voted  that  John  Wheelwright  Esqr.  Jeremiah  Greene  Esquire 
Stephen  Greenleaf  Esqr.  Mr  John  Ruddock  and  Mr.  John  Winslow 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Accompts  of 
Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries,  and  also  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers 
of  the  Poor,  and  the  said  Committee  are  hereby  directed  and 
impowred  to  inspect  every  particular  Accompt  of  the  moneys 
expended  for  the  use  of  the  Almshouse,  and  they  are  desired  to 
make  report  thereon  as  soon  as  they  have  done  the  same. 

The  Town  considered  of  the  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz',  how 
farr  Olivers  Dock  shall  be  fill'd  up  and  thereupon  Voted  that  the 
Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  fill  up  said  Dock  so 
farr,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  they  shall  think  best. 

It  being  proposed  that  some  Method  may  be  taken  to  supply  the 
Town  with  Powder,  the  Act  of  the  Province  concerning  it  was 
Read,  and  it  was  judged  by  the  Town  that  the  Law  referrs  it  to 
the  Selectmem  to  supply  the  Town,  &  so  nothing  was  done  upon  it. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  for  paving  a  Street  near  the 
North  Meeting  House  leading  into  Ship  street  was  read,  &  there- 
upon It  was  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Thirteen  Pounds  six  shillings 
and  eight  pence  lawful  money  be  allowed  &  is  hereby  granted  for 
paving  the  South  side  of  said  Street,  the  same  to  be  paid  when  it 
is  finished,  provided  the  Abutters  pay  the  whole  Cost  of  paving 
the  remainder,  and  it  be  done  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select- 
men. 

A  Motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the  Town  would  recon- 
sider the  Vote  pass'd  the  16 :  instant  relating  to  the  paving 
Long  Lane  and  after  some  debate  thereon  a  Question  was  put 
whether  the  Town  would  reconsider  said  Vote  and  the  [369.] 
Moderator  declared  that  he  judged  it  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative, 
whereupon  a  Poll  was  demanded,  but  before  the  same  was  decided, 
the   Petitioners  moved   that   may  have   liberty  to  withdraw  their 


Boston  Town  Records,  1755.  277 

motion  for  reconsidering  which  was  granted,  and  the  Town  pro- 
ceeded no  further. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  16th.  ins*,  to  prepare  Instructions 
for  the  Representatives  of  this  Town  reported  a  Draft  they  had 
made  which  was  in  the  words  following  Viz'. 

To  the   honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  MT.  John  Tyng  James 
Bowdoin  Esqr.  and  Mr.  William  Cooper 
Gentlemen 

Although  our  Choice  of  you  to  represent  this  Town  of  Boston 
in  the  next  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  be  such  a  Proof 
of  our  Confidence  in  your  Abilities  prudence  &  integrity,  that  even 
any  Instructions,  whatsoever,  may  by  some  Persons,  be  tho't  need- 
less or  impertinent,  yet  as  it  is  our  undoubted  right  ever  to  give 
our  Representatives  particular  Instructions  for  their  Conduct,  in 
the  General  Assembly,  and  very  expedient  too  touching  such  Points 
especially  as  most  nearly  concern  the  natural  rights  &  liberties  of 
the  People  in  general,  as  well  as  the  Interest  of  this  Town  in 
particular,  so  far  at  least  as  is  Consistent  with  the  General  Good 
of  the  community,  and  inasmuch  as  the  famous  Exeise  Act  made 
here,  the  last  Winter  (which  was  apprehended  by  us  to  be  so 
grevious  &  burdensome  that  we  with  one  Consent  and  as  soon  as 
possible  made  our  Application  to  our  most  gracious  Sovereign  for 
his  royal  disallowance  thereof)  hath  not  yet  been  presented  to  his 
Majesty  (as  we  know  of)  and  therefore,  doth  and  will  abide  in  full 
force  untill  his  disallowance  thereof  be  duly  Signified,  or  it  be 
repealed  here ;  We  your  Constituants  do  therefore  in  justice  to 
ourselves,  as  well  as  in  Testimony  of  our  settled  &  hearty  Aver- 
sions to  all  Attacks  and  Incroachments  upon  our  natural  Rights 
think  it  very  expedient  and  even  necessary  at  this  time  to  instruct 
you  Gentn.,  And  we  do  accordingly  hereby  instruct  and  give  it  you 
in  special  Charge 

"I .  That  you  do  exert  yourselves  to  the  utmost  of  yonr  Abilities 
in  all  suitable  ways  to  procure  a  repeal  of  that  Act,  so  far  as  it 
concerns  the  Excise  upon  the  private  Cousumption  of  Wine  Spirits 
&C  :  in  private  Families  as  soon  as  possible ;  and  likewise  to 
prevent  any  such  like  Act,  or  any  Act  whatsoever  being  made  in 
destruction  or  derogation  of  our  natural  rights  &  liberties,  if  any 
such  Attempt  should  be  again  made  either  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives (where  the  other  originated  and  was  so  warmly  carried 
on  to  effect)  or  by  either  of  the  branches  of  the  Legislature. 

[369^.]  2.  That  30U  likewise  earnestly  endeavour  to  procure 
an  Act  to  be  made  for  the  exclusion  of  all  Farmers  of  Excises  and 
their  Deputies  and  all  secret  or  open  contractors  therefor  from  a 
seat  in  either  House  of  the  General  Assembly  for  the  future. 

3.  And  for  as  much  as  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  for  a  long 
time  past  have  been  and  still  are  laboring  and  groaning  under  a 
burden  of  Taxes,  far  beyound  our  equal  proportion  with  the  other 
Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  and  which  are  now  become  insupport- 
able even  to  every  rank  of  Men  amongst  us,  we  do  therefore 
recommend  to  you  and  expect,  that  you  also  do  your  utmost  to 
procure  a  just  Valuation  of  all  the  rateable  Estates  within  this 
Province  to  be  made  this  Year,  that  we  may  no  longer  be  taxed  so 


278  City  Document  No.  170. 

farr  beyouod  our  just  proportion  towards  defreying  the  Charges 
of  the  Government,  as  now  are  and  have  been  for  these  many 
Years  past. 

4.  As  to  all  other  matters  which  may  come  under  Consideration 
in  the  Approaching  Assembly  we  leave  them  at  present  to  your 
prudence  &  discretion,  not  doubting  of  your  Fidelity  to  us  your 
Constituents  and  to  the  publick,  but  would  have  you  ever  keep  in 
your  mind,  that  in  Case  any  new  attempt  should  be  made  against 
our  liberties  &  Charter-Privileges  in  this  ensuing  Year  it  is  expected 
by  us,  that  3Tou  not  only  seasonably  and  vigorously  oppose  it,  but 
also  give  us  your  Constituents  timely  notice  thereof  that  you  may 
receive  our  further  Special  Instructions  thereupon,  if  it  shou'd  be 
thought  expedient.  And  the  same  being  read  &  considered  of. 
Voted  unanimously  that  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  the  Gentlemen 
the  Representatives  are  desired  to  govern  themselves  according  to 
said  Instructions  and  the  Town  Clerk  is  hereby  directed  to  give  a 
fair  Copy  thereof  to  each  of  them. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  of  May  AD  1751  Viz4.  Mr. 
Jonathan  Williams  Mr.  Thomas  Greene  and  Mr.  Nath1  Thwing  to 
proscute  an}^  persons  that  have  made  Incroachments  on  the 
Towns  Lands  near  to  or  upon  Fort  hill,  now  Reported  that  by 
virtue  of  the  power  to  them  given  they  had  used  their  utmost  en- 
deavours to  accommodate  &  settle  with  Middlecott  Cooke  Esqr. 
and  others  relating  to  the  Encroachments  made  on  the  Towns  Land 
near  Fort  hill  in  the  Occupation  of  [370.]  Mr.  Alexander  Hunt, 
but  not  being  able  to  accommodate  the  same  they  brought  forward 
an  Action  against  said  Hunt,  which  after  divers  continuances  was 
fully  heard  at  the  Superiour  Court  in  August  last  when  the  Town 
recovered  judgment  for  the  possession  of  a  strip  of  Land  next  ad- 
joining to  Mr.  Joseph  Hubbard's  Land,  as  will  fully  appear  by  said 
Judgment,  which  Strip  of  Land  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  have  received  possession  in  behalf  of  said 
Town,  which  being  read  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted  and 
that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  to  said  Com- 
mittee for  the  great  Pains  they  have  taken  in  this  Affair. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to 
the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
for  transacting  the  Business  thereof. 

The  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualify'd  and  warned  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the  eighteenth  day 
of  July  AD  1755. 

The  "Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

John  Phillips  Esq ;  chose  Moderator  by  a  handy  Vote, 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  Warrant  Viz*,  to  determine  whether  the  Town  will  make  any 
Addition  to  the  South  Battery  for  the  better  Defence  of  it,  besides 
the  Repairs  voted  in  May  last,  and  what  may  be  necessaiy  for 
effecting  the  same,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  It  was  moved 
and  seconded  that  the  following  Question  may  be  put,  whether  any 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1756.  279 

Addition  shall  be  made  to  the  South  Battery,  It  was  Voted  in  the 
Negative  by  a  very  great  Majority. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd 

[370^.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualify'd  &  warned  in  publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesdaj^  the  4 
day  of  February  AD  1756. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

John  Phillips  Esqr.  chose  Moderator  by  a  handy  Vote. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  "Warrant  Viz4,  whether  the  Town  will  immediately  proceed  to 
raise  by  a  Lotterj7  orLotteries  the  sum  of  Three  Thousand  Pounds 
lawful  money  for  paving  Boston  Neck  pursuant  to  the  Power 
granted  by  an  Act  of  the  Great  and  General  Court  lately  pass'd 
for  that  purpose,  and  the  Act  of  the  Province  relating  to  it  being- 
read.  And  some  Debate  thereon,  the  following  Question  was  put 
Viz4,  whether  it  be  the  Minds  of  the  Town  that  the  Managers  who 
are  by  said  Act  appointed  to  carry  on  said  Lottery  or  Lotteries 
shall  proceed  as  soon  as  they  conveniently  can,  and  in  such  a 
Method  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  raise  the  aforesaid  Sum  of 
Three  thousand  Pounds  lawful  money  in  order  to  pave  the  Neck 
according  to  the  Directions  of  said  Act,  the  same  to  be  paved  of 
such  a  Wedth  and  in  such  manner  as  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being 
shall  judge  best,  and  also  do  such  other  Repairs  as  shall  be  found 
necessary.  And  it  was  voted  in  the  Affirmative  by  a  great  Majority. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  consider,  the  other  Article  in  the 
Warrant  Viz4,  whether  the  Town  will  now  make  Application  to  the 
General  Court  that  a  General  Account  and  valuation  of  all  Polls 
&  rateable  Estates  throughout  the  Province  may  be  taken  this 
Year,  and  after  some  debate  thereon,  It  was  voted  unanimously 
that  the  Town  will  make  Application  accordingly,  and  then  voted 
that  a  Committee  be  chose  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a  Petition  to  the 
General  Court  for  that  purpose,  Voted  that  the  said  Committee 
consist  of  5  Persons,  Voted  that  Benjamin  Prat  Esqr.  Samuel 
Welles  Esqr.  Tho8.  [371.]  Greene  Esq:  Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  and 
Richard  Dana  Esq  ;  be  the  Committee  and  they  are  desired  to  make 
Report  of  their  Draft  to  the  Town  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meet- 
ing on  Wednesday  the  11th.  ins4,  at  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  Wednesday  the  lith 
instant  at  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Wednesday  February  11th.  1756  3  o'Clock  P.M.  the  Inhabitants 
mett  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  4th.  ins4,  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  a 
Petition  to  the  General  Court  now  reported  that  they  had  prepared 
a  Draft  which  was  read  as  in  the  Words  following.  Viz4. 

To  his  Excellency  William  Shirley  Esquire  Captain  General  and 
Governour  in  Chief,  the  honourable  the  Council  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  Assembled  February  11  :  1756. 

The  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting  legally  convened. 
Humbly  Shew 


280  City  Document  No.  170. 

That  their  Difficulties  are  become  so  great  and  pressing  that  they 
cannot  forbear  repeating  their  Greviances,  which  they  humbly  beg 
leave  to  lay  before  your  Excellency  and  Honours,  that  as  their 
Ability  is  exceedingly  and  apparently  lessned  their  Share  of  the 
Province  Charge  (which  is  now  nearly  the  same  as  in  their  most 
flourishing  State)  may  be  made  proportionable  to  their  present 
diininish'd  &  decayed  Circumstances. 

That  their  Condition  and  Ability  are  thus  weakned  will  abun- 
dantly appear  by  comparing  their  past,  &  present  State  &  Bussiness 
heretofore  there  were  near  four  thousand  Polls  who  paid  Taxes, 
now  there  are  but  few  more  than  two  thousand. 

But  a  short  time  since  the  Town  often  had  30  or  40  Vessells  at 
a  time  on  the  Stocks,  mostly  large,  now  there  are  but  six  Vessells 
of  all  sorts  agreed  for. 

Not  many  Years  since  they  had  the  whole  Business  [37  If,]  of 
Distilling  Molosses  and  refining  Sugar  with  which  they  supply'd 
the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  Newfoundland  Nova  Scotia,  New 
Hampshire,  Rhode  Island,  &  Providence  Plantations,  Connecticut^ 
New  York,  the  Jerseys,  Maryland  Virginnia,  North  and  South 
Carolina,  in  return  for  which  they  had  Wheat,  Flower,  Peas,  Pork, 
Beef,  Fish,  Train  Oyl,  Pitch,  Tarr,  Turpentine,  Furrs,  Hides, 
Skins  Tallow  &  many  other  valuable  Commodities,  &  frequently 
especially  from  Nova  Scotia,  &  Newfoundland,  Bills  of  Exchange 
on  our  Mother  Country,  this  necessarily  employed  a  great  number 
of  Vessells  &  Sailors  to  Import  the  Molasses,  &  Raw  Sugar,  & 
export  their  produce  when  Manufactored,  as  also  what  we  barter'd 
them  away  for  abroad  as  well  as  brough  among  us  and  found 
Bussiness  for  a  great  Number  Tradesmen  as  Coopers,  Bakers, 
Hatters,  Tanners,  Tallow  Chandlers  Truckmen,  and  Porters,  all 
which  having  full  employ  chearfully  paid  their  part  of  the  Taxes, 
whereas  now  we  are  wholly  deprived  of  supplying  the  most  of  the 
neighbouring  Governments,  there  being  many  Distilling  or  Sugar 
Houses  in  Rhode  Island,  New  York,  and  Pensylvania  to  the 
Southward,  as  well  as  in  Nova  Scotia  to  the  Northward,  besides 
the  Great  number  in  other  Towns  of  this  Province  Viz1.  Plymouth, 
Salem,  Newbury,  Haverhill,  Marblehead,  Charlestown  Watertown 
Medford  &  Nantuckett,  insomuch  that  the  Town  of  Boston  now 
does  not  half  supply  the  home  Consumption. 

Within  a  little  more  than  twenty  Years  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town  imported  and  almost  entirely  supply'd  not  only  this  Province 
but  all  the  other  Inhabitants  of  the  several  Governments  in  New 
England  with  the  Manufactures  and  Goods  of  our  Mother  Country 
now  they  have  almost  wholly  lost  the  supply  of  Rhode  Island 
Government,  and  in  a  great  measure  that  of  Connecticutt  and 
New  Hampshire,  and  not  so  only  but  several  of  our  considerable 
Shops  &  whole  Sale  Traders  are  now  supply'd  by  those  very  Mer- 
chants in  other  Towns  of  this  Province  whom  they  or  their  Fathers 
or  Massters  largely  or  almost  wholly  supply'd  with  the  same,  Sort 
of  Goods,  but  a  few  Years  since. 

And  within  a  very  Short  time  almost  [372,]  All  our  victuallers 
or  Butchers  living  in  the  Town  who  were  thirty  or  forty  in  Number, 
a,nd  kill'd  not  long  since  all  the  large  Meat  &  much  the  Greatest 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1756.        281 

part  of  the  small,  are  now  reduced  to  three  or  four  who  all  put 
together,  don't  kill  so  much  as  one  who  lives  out  of  the  Town,  this 
has  almost  broke  up  our  Tanners  Curriers  &  Shoemakers  and  altered 
the  Case  of  the  Town  from  supplying  the  Country,  with  Leather, 
and  a  great  part  of  their  Shoes  to  be  supply'd  very  largely  with 
both,  from  the  Country. 

These  Things  have  of  Course  and  almost  unavoidably  brought 
a  great  number  of  our  Inhabitants  of  the  lower  sort  to  great  Poverty 
and  Indigence,  insomuch  that  the  Charge  of  our  Poor  has  increased 
from  about  one  Thousand  or  Fifteen  hundred  Pounds  a  Year  old 
tenor  to  ten  or  twelve  Thousand,  besides  the  Collections  for  them 
in  the  several  Churches  &  other  Charitable  Meetings  and  Societys 
which  are  thought  by  the  most  knowing  to  amount  to  as  much  more, 
which  great  excesive  Charges  has  also  brought  on  another  growing 
&  heavy  loss  to  the  Town,  that  of  the  removal  of  several  of  our 
Men,  wealthy  inhabitants,  it  being  a  known  &  settled  Point  that 
about  a  fifth  part  of  what  they  pay  for  Taxes  in  Boston  will  dis- 
charge them  in  any  other  Town,  it  must  be  a  strong  temptation  to 
remove  a  few  miles  out  of  this  Town  if  a  man  can  save  five  hundred 
or  a  thousand  Pounds  a  Year  by  it. 

And  while  this  Town  has  in  these  visible  ways  been  sinking  and 
infeabled  many  parts  of  the  said  Province  have  flourished  &  in- 
creased apparently,  the  Count}Ts  of  Essex  Middlesex  &  "Worcester, 
have  done  so  in  their  Husbandry,  and  the  Towns  of  Plymouth, 
Sherburne  or  Nantucket,  Salem,  Marblehead,  Newbury,  York,  and 
Falmouth  in  Casco  Ba}r,  have  also  in  their  Trade  &  Commerce  both 
f  oreign  &  domestick  ;  these  things  which  are  easy  to  be  verified  and 
put  beyond  all  Dispute,  point  out,  and  as  we  humbly  apprehend 
justice  seems  to  require,  that  a  new  Valuation  of  Estates  be  made 
throughout  the  Province,  and  althd ;  this  Town  have  not  given  in 
a  List  or  Valuation  of  their  Estates  heretofore,  yet  it  appears  now 
so  necessary  that  the}-  have  unanimously  agreed  &  voted  to  do  it, 
and  they  do  with  the  same  unanimity  humbly  request  your  Excel- 
lency &  Honours  (as  soon  as  ma}'  be)  to  order  a  Valuation  to  be 
made  of  all  the  rateable  Estates  in  the  Province,  upon  which  we 
hope  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston  will  with  all  Chear fullness  exert 
themselves  to  pay  what  shall  be  found  their  just  Share  &  Proportion 
[372^.]  And  thereupon  it  was  unanimously  Voted  that  the  same 
be  accepted  and  that  the  Town  Clerk  prepare  a  fair  Copy  of  said 
Petition  and  that  the  Selectmen  in  the  Name  of  the  Town  Sign  the 
same  and  preferr  it  to  the  General  Court  accordingly. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  they  hereby  are  given 
to  the  Committee  for  the  Pains  they  have  took  in  preparing  the 
Draft  aforesaid. 

Voted  that  Joshua  Winslow  Esqr.  )  ,  T      ,      . 
&  Thomas  Greene  Esq.     }  Mercnants- 

John  Hill  Esq  —  Distiller  &  Sugar  baker 

Benja :  Hallowell  Esqr.     .     .  Shipwright 


Nath1.  Thwing  Esqr. 
Mr.  Samuel  Bass     . 
Mr.  John  Breck 
Mr.  Joseph  Belknap 


Baker 
Tanner 
Cooper 
Leather  dresser. 


282  City  Document  No.  170. 

Be  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  make  the  most 
Exact  &  particular  Enquiry  what  Bussiuess  was  clone  and  carry'd 
on  by  Persons  of  their  respective  Occupations  in  this  Town  in  the 
Year  1746,  or  thereabouts  and  also  in  what  proportion  the  same 
has  been  since  declining  to  this  time,  and  they  are  desired  to 
reduce  the  same  to  writing,  and  return  such  Accompts  thereof  to 
the  Selectmen,  they  to  deliver  the  same  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Rep- 
resentatives of  the  Town  who  are  to  make  such  use  thereof  as  the 
shall  judge  necessary  in  the  Application  the  Town  have  made  to  the 
General  Court  for  taking  a  Valuation  this  Year  of  all  Polls  &  rate- 
able Estates  throughout  the  Province. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto 
John  Phillips  Esq  :  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  transacting 
the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[373.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualifyed  and  legally  Warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
eighth  day  of  March  AD  1756. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Cooper. 
The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read, 
Sundry  Laws  Read. 

John  Phillips  Esqr.  was  unanimously  Choose  Moderator  by  a 
written  Vote,  and  he  took  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  &  receiv- 
ing Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut,  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Rhode  Island,  as  required  by  the  Act  of  this  Province. 
Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  chose  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
and  having  taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the  26th.  Year 
of  His  present  Majesty's  Reign  respecting  the  paying  and  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  took  the  Oath  of  Office, 
which  were  administred  to  him  by  John  Phillips  Esqr. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  appeared  that, 
Mr.  Samuel  Grant 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esq1-. 
Cap4.  Joseph  Jackson 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing 
Cap'.  Samuel  Hewes 
Mr.  John  Scollay, 
were  chose,  and  they  were  accordingly  Sworn  respecting  to  their 
receiving  and  paying  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  neighbourinf  Govern- 
ments. 

The  Honble.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq1. 
Col0.  John  Hill 
Daniel  Henchman  Esqr. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfleld 
[373|.J  The  Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Cap'.  Ebenezer  Storer 


Boston  Town  Records,  1756.  283 

Mr.  John  Barret 
Cap'.  Nath1.  Greenwood 
Mr.  Royal  Tyler 
Mr.  Thomas 'Flacker 
were  Chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  is  given  unto 
the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Joseph  Sherburne  for 
the  good  services  they  have  done  in  the  Office  of  Overseers  of  the 
Poor  for  several  Years  past. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Petition 
of  Mr.  John  Hill  and  Samuel  Wentworth  Esquires  that  a  further 
Term  may  be  granted  them  of  the  Town's  Lands  on  the  Neck 
already  Leased  to  them,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  the  said 
Hill  &  Wentworth  being  heard  in  support  of  their  Petition,  It  was 
mov'd  and  seconded  that  said  Petition  be  Dismissed,  and  the 
Question  being  put,  It  was  Voted  that  said  Petition  be  dismissed 
accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Francis  Wells  Esqr.  of  Cambridge  in  the  County 
of  Middlesex  setting  forth  that  for  thirty  Years  past  he  chearfully 
paid  large  Taxes  towards  defreying  the  Charges  of  the  Town,  and 
was  always  willing  to  bear  his  part  of  the  Burthens  of  the  Town 
whilst  he  continued  amongst  them  and  was  able  so  to  do  ;  But  it  is 
so  for  the  last  four  Years  of  the  Petitioner's  residence  in  the  Town 
he  met  with  very  Considerable  Losses  in  his  Trade  and  Bussiness, 
which  reduced  him  greatly  in  his  Circumstances  and  rendered  him 
unable  to  discharge  the  Taxes  laid  on  him,  but  the  Petitioner 
neglected  applying  to  the  Assessors  for  abatement  of  his  Taxes 
on  Account  of  his  great  and  heavy  Losses,  which  if  he  had  done  he 
is  well  satisfied  they  would  have  taken  off  more  than  the  Sum  now 
due  from  him,  but  for  his  negligence  he  must  [374.]  Unavoidably 
be  thrown  into  a  Cold  and  filthy  Prison,  unless  the  Town  according 
to  their  usual  kindness  and  Charity  will  be  pleased  to  Release  him 
from  the  demand  the  Collector  hath  against  him  for  the  remainder 
of  his  Taxes  being  the  Sum  of  £28,,  16,,  10,  and  the  Petitioner 
humbly  Conceives  the  Town  will  not  take  any  Advantage  of  his 
Latches  in  omitting  to  apply  to  the  Assessors  in  Season  when  they 
Consider  his  present  difficult  and  distressed  Circumstances  ;  He 
therefore  most  humbly  prays  that  the  Town  would  be  pleased  to 
give  Orders  to  the  Assessors  to  abate  him  the  said  Sum  of  £28,, 
16,,  10,  the  time  limited  by  the  Town  for  application  being  elapsed 
notwithstanding  or  that  he  may  have  such  Relief  afforded  him  in 
the  Premisses  as  the  Town  in  their  great  goodness  see  meet.  —  And 
after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the  same  be  dismissed. 

Voted  that  any  Person  chosen  in  the  Office  of  a  Consta.  for  the 

Year  ensuing  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  Office  upon  his  paying 

to  the  Town  Treasury  the  Sum  of  Four  Pounds  Lawful  Money. 

Messr 


Joseph  Rhodes 

Pay 

Samuel  Simpson 

Excused 

Henry  Atkins  junr. 

Benjamin  Loring 

Excused 

Thomas  Dawes  junr. 

Excused 

Samuel  Osborne 

Paid  in  1 754 

284 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Peter  Barbour  Sworn 

Sam1.  Hardcastle  Pay 

Thos.  Fayerweather       Pay 

Moses  Peck  Excused 

John  Pattin  Sworn 

John  Coverley  Sworn 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treas- 
urer, and  they  being  sorted  it  appeared  that  Mr.  David  Jeffries  was 
unanimously  chose  into  that  Office,  and  he  accordingly  took  the 
Oath  respecting  his  receiving  and  paying  Bills  of  the  other  Gover- 
ments  as  required  by  Law,  and  then  was  sworn  to  the  faithful 
discharge  of  his  Duty  in  that  Office. 

[374J.]  The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer,  and  they  being  Collected  were  Sealed  up  by  .Constable 
Patten  to  be  by  him  kept  and  Returned  into  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  Peace  in  April  next. 

The  Freeholders  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Register  of  Deeds 
and  Conveyances  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  &  they  were  Sealed  up 
by  Constable  Patten  to  be  by  him  kept  &  returned  into  the  Court 
of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  in  April  next. 
Colonel  John  Hill 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 

Cap'.  Joseph  Jackson 

Mr.  John  Scollay 
Colonel  Nathaniel  Thwing,  Excus'd 

Mr-  Royal  Tyler 

Cap4.  Hopestill  Foster 

Mr.  John  Rowe 

Cap*.  Newman  Greenough    • 

Mr.  William  Cooper 

Mr.  Joseph  Jackson 

Nath1.  Wheelwright  Esqr. 

Cap'.  Thomas  Savage 
were  chose  Firewards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Messrs.   Samuel  Phillips  Paid  in  1753 

Samuel  Hewes  junr.  Excus'd 

John  Cunningham  Excus'd 

Edward  Tyng  Excus'd 

Aggustus  Hale  Sworn 

John  Wells  Sworn 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess.rs  John  Joy  Excus'd 

Barnabas  Clarke  Excus'd 

Nath1.  Ridgway  Excus'd 

Obadiah  Low  Excus'd 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

[375.]    Mr.  John  Gray. 
was  chose  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  Robert  Ford 

Clement  Collins 

Isaac  White 


Boston  Town  Records,  1756.  285 

William  Nichols 
William  Welch 
John  Grant 
Isaac  Vergoose 
Andrew  Symmes 
Henry  Allen 
William  Paine 
Moses  Eayres 
Joseph  Butler     Excus'd 
Samuel  Warden 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess18.  Samuel  Treat 
Joseph  Dyer 
Edward  Potter 
Isaac  Towle 
David  Spear 
Benja.  Ballard 
John  Hobbs 
Edward  Cowell 
Robert  Treat 
John  Helyer 
were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  ensuing  Year. 
Mess18.  Thomas  Coverley 
Nathaniel  Bird 
Samuel  Smith 
Ambrose  Vincent 
were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  Belcher  No}^es 
John  Forsyth 
John  Lee 
John  Leverett 
[375£.]     Alexr.  Sears 

William  Blair  Townsend 
Benjamin  Davis 
Benjamin  Fitch 
Daniel  Jones 
Joseph  Candish 
John  White 
Aftar  Stoddard 
were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Story  Dawes 
Caleb  Ray 
Thomas  Crafts 
Benja.  Russell 
Onesiphorus  Tilestone 
Francis  Warden 
were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  Joseph  Carter 
Thomas  Hase 
Samuel  Hastings 
were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


286  City  Document  No.   170. 

Mess™.  Joseph  Belknap 

Nath1.  Gardner 
were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Joseph  Curtis 
was  chose  Hayward  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Selectmen,  Surveyors  of  Highways. 
Messrs.  David  Cutler 

Thomas  Foster 
were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  William  Gray 

Corn1.  Thayer 

Samuel  Downe 
[376.]        John  Deming 

John  Winslow 

Daniel  Bowyer 

Samuel  Austin 

Samuel  Dexter 

Moses  Peck 

Joseph  Waldo 

John  Winslow 

Daniel  Eveleth 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess™.  Nathaniel  Barber 

William  Fairfield 

Peter  Oliver 

John  Kneeland 

Samuel  Edwards 

Benja.  Church 

Isaac  White 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Messrs.  David  Greenleaf  Sworn 

Michael  Burn  Sworn 

Henry  Snow  Excus'd 

Andrew  Boardman  Excus'd 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Cap*.  Isaac  Dupee 
was  chose  Clerk  of  Fanueil  Hall  Market  for  the  Yoar  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  paid  out 
of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  Cap'.  Isaac  Dupee  for  his  Service  as 
Clerk  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  the  Year  past. 

Voted  that  no  person  shall  now  be  chose  for  a  Collector  of  Taxes 
who  has  heretofore  served  in  that  Office  that  cannot  produce 
Receipts  in  full  from  the  several  Treasurers  whom  he  was  obliged 
to  pay  for  the  Year  1754. 

[376^.]  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  twelve  pence  on  the  Pound 
be  and  hereby  allowed  to  be  paid  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose 
Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as 
they  shall  Collect,  provided  they  pay  into  the  Town  Treasury  one 
half  part  of  the  whole  Sum  they  are  obliged  to  pay  him  within  four 
Months  from  the  time  they  receive  the  Taxbooks  from  the  Assessors, 
and  the  other  half  part  in  three  Months  after,  and  also  pay  into  the 
Province  and  County  Treasuries,  one  half  part  of  the  whole  Sums 


Boston  Town  Records,  1756.  287 

they  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  them  respectively  in  seven  Months 
from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the  Taxbooks  from  the  Assessors 
as  aforesaid,  and  the  other  half  part  in  five  Months  after,  and  in 
case  either  of  said  Collectors  shall  fail  paying  in  manner  aforesaid, 
the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  Entitled  to  the  aforesaid  Allow- 
ance of  twelve  pence  on  the  Pound,  but  wholly  forfeit  the  same 
provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with  sufficient 
Sureties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  thier  Duty  in  said  Office,  and  complying  with  this  Vote. 
Messrs.  John  Ruddock 
Jona.  Payson 
James  Scutt 
Samuel  Adams 
Collectors     [In  margin.] 

Messrs.  Edward  Gray  junr.  Sworn 

Barth0.  Rand  Excus'd 

Tho8.  Barton  Simpkins  Excus'd 

Mess".  Isaac  Bates  Sworn 

Joseph  Miller  Excus'd 

Richard  Hunniwell  Sworn 

Benjamin  Adams  Excus'd 

David  G-leason  Sworn 

were  chose  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmen's  Report  on  the  Account  of  Mr.  John  Fenno 
keeper  of  the  Granary,  for  the  Year  past,  as  Entr'd  in  his  Book 
(and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerk's  Office) .  Read  and  Voted  that 
the  same  be  accepted,  and  accordingly  [377.]  that  Mr.  Fenno  be 
further  Accountable  to  the  Town  for  120  Bushels  of  Rye,  remain- 
ing unsold,  and  also  for  60  Bushels  of  Corn  unsold,  amounting 
to  Twenty  seven  Pounds  eight  shillings,  and  also  for  the  Sum  of 
Four  hundred  and  forty  two  Pounds  &  six  pence  exclusive  of  the 
Sum  of  Twenty  six  Pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  for 
his  Salary  and  Assistance  as  Charged  in  said  Account,  which  is 
hereby  allowed  him. 

Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  Cap1.  Joseph  Jackson  and  Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  said 
Committee  are  desired  and  impowred  to  give  all  needful  directions 
to  the  keeper  of  the  Grainary  respecting  the  Quantities  of  Grain  to 
be  Sold,  and  setting  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occa- 
sion may  require. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  and  they  hereby  are  impowred  to 
Sit  to  the  first  day  of  May  next  and  no  longer,  for  making  an 
Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as  they  shall  judge  reason- 
able, saving  that  they  have  liberty  to  sit  the  two  last  Weeks  in 
November  next,  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  Persons,  as  shall 
appear  to  them  to  have  dy'd,  or  been  out  of  Town,  and  could  not 
have  made  Application  to  them  before  said  first  Day  of  Ma}\ 

Also  Voted  that  the  Assessors  in  said  two  Weeks  in  November 
may  if  they  see  cause,  abate  the  Taxes  of  all  such  Persons  as 
shall  then  appear  to  them  to  have  become  Bankrupts  between  said 
first  of  May  &  said  time  of  Sitting,  and  which  the  Collectors  shall 
have  endeavor'd  to  have  got,  but  could  not. 


288  City  Document  No.  170. 

Tythingruen  Nothing  done  thereon. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  setting  forth  that  inasmuch 
as  'tis  thought  necessary  and  of  advantage  to  the  Town  in  gen- 
eral, and  to  the  Southerly  part  thereof  in  particular,  that  the  Bell 
belonging  to  the  Meeting  House  of  the  Revd.  Mr.  Byles  be  rung 
at  five  o'Clock  in  the  Morning ;  they  the  Subscribers  therefore 
prayed  that  the  same  might  be  [37  7|-.]  Accordingly  Rung,  and 
that  the  Expence  thereof  be  paid  by  the  Inhabitants,  as  has  been 
accostomed  for  the  ringing  of  the  other  Bells  in  the  Town,  which 
being  Read  Voted  that  the  same  be  Dismiss'd. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be,  and  they  hereby  are  Impowred 
to  direct  and  order  what  Bells  in  the  Town  shall  be  rung  and  at 
what  hours. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Article   in  the  Warrant 
Viz*.  "  whether  any  more  effectual  Method   than  is  always  pres- 
cribed  by  Law    can   be    taken,  for    promoting   a   more   general 
Reformation  of  Manners." 
and  thereupon  Voted  that 

The  Honble.  Judge  Sewall 
The  Honble.  Thos.  Hubbard  Esqr. 
Abiel  Walley  Esq1. 
John  Phillips  Esqr.  & 
Mr.  Willm.  Cooper, 
be  and  they  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Committee  upon  this  Affair, 
and  they  are  desired  in  the  most  particular  manner  to  Consider  of 
the  same,  and  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  Meeting  in  May  next, 
what  Methods  they  shall  judge  best  to  be  taken  for  a  more  general 
Reformation  of  Manners. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  Things  that  were  to  be  transacted 
this  Meeting,  &  remain  unfinished,  be  and  hereby  are  Referr'd 
over  to  the  Town  Meeting  in  May  next,  to  be  then  Considered  of 
and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to 
John  Phillips  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  transacting 
and  dispatching  the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[378.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualifyed  and  warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meetiug  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the 
eleventh  day  of  May  AD  1756. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Sam1.  Checkley  junr. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

Sundry  Laws  Read. 

Mr.  Samuel  Grant  one  of  the  Selectmen  propos'd  in  their  Name 
to  the  Inhabitants  assembled  to  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  one  or 
more  Persons  to  Represent  them  in  the  Great  &  General  Court  or 
Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the  26th.  of  May 
current,  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider  &  ascertain  the  Number 
of  Gentleman  to  be  Elected,  accordingly.  It  was  Voted  to  proceed 
to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives,  and  it  was  then  declared 
that  the  Poll  will  be  clos'd  at  twelve  o'Clock. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1756.  289 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  533  and  upon  Sorting  'em  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gen- 
tlemen were  chose  Viz4. 

Votes. 

Samuel  Welles  Esqr.  301 

Thomas  Hubbard  362 

Mr.  John  Tyng  347 

Mr.  Thomas  Flucker  459. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  the  same  being 
declar'd  by  the  Selectmen, 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moder- 
ator, and  upon  Sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  Honble.  Thomas 
Hubbard  Esqr.  was  Choose. 

The  Petition  of  Samuel  Wentworth  Esqr.  setting  forth  that  he 
is  a  great  Sufferer  by  a  Lease  he  has  of  the  Town's  Lands  on  the 
Westerly  side  of  Boston  Neck,  not  only  from  the  [378-J.]  Un- 
expected Costs  he  has  been  at  for  the  Coinpleating  a  Sea  Wall 
Buildings  and  Fences,  but  more  particularly  from  the  Effects  of  a 
late  Storm,  in  which  said  Sea  Wall  has  sustained  very  great  Dam- 
age, the  Tempest  having  made  several  Breaches  in  the  most  ex- 
posed parts,  and  in  general  so  weakned  and  reduced  the  Bank, 
that  tho  repairing  it  will  be  attended  with  an  Addition  Expence 
of  near  half  the  first  Cost. 

Wherefore  he  humbly  prayed  that  the  Town  would  so  far  sustain 
the  Memorial  as  to  chuse  a  suitable  Committee  to  inspect  the  Prem- 
isses, and  make  such  Allowances  as  shall  appear  just  and  reason- 
able, reporting  the  same  to  the  Town  at  their  then  next  Meeting, 
or  that  the  Town  would  fall  into  any  Method  for  the  Relief  of 
their  Memorialist  that  shall  Result  from  their  Consideration,  And 
their  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray. 

Samuel    Wentworth. 
which  being  Read  and  after  a  short  Debate  Voted  that  the  same 
be  Dismiss'd. 

John  Downe  was  chose  Constable. 

Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  3  o'Clock  in  the  After- 
noon. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  the  Town  meet  according  to 
Adjournment. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Three  Thousand  five  hundred  Pounds  Lawful 
money  be  rais'd  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates  within  the  Town 
of  Boston,  for  relief  of  the  Poor  &  defreying  other  necessary 
Charges  arising  within  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Samuel  Wentworth  Esqr.  mov'd  that  the  Town  would  be  pleas'd 
to  Consider  the  Vote  pass'd  in  the  forenoon  on  his  Petition,  and 
after  some  Debate  thereon,  a  Question  was  put,  whether  said  Vote 
shall  be  Reconsidered,  and  it  pass'd  in  the  Negative  ; 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider  what  Method  is  best  to  be 
taken  for  the  Revisal  of  the  several  By  Laws  [379.]  Now  in 
force,  and  what  Alterations  are  necessary  to  be  made  therein,  and 
thereupon  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  desired 
to  employ  some  Persons  learned  in  the  Law  to  revise  and  alter 
said  By  Laws  in  such  Manner  as  they  shall  judge  most  beneficial 


290  City  Document  No.  170. 

to  the  Town,  and  also  prepare  the  Draft  of  a  By  Law  to  prevent 
the  frequent  firing  of  Chimneys,  and  Report  the  whole  that  shall 
be  done  hereupon  so  soon  as  may  be  ;  And  the  Selectmen  are  im- 
powred  to  allow  and  pay  such  Persons  as  they  shall  Employ  in 
this  Affair  what  they  shall  judge  reasonable  for  their  Service. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  it  was  unanimously  Voted 
that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to  James 
Bowdoin  Esqr.  for  the  good  Services  he  has  done  the  Town  as 
their  Representative  for  several  Years  past. 

Also  unanimously  Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and 
hereby  is  given  unto  Mr.  William  Cooper  for  the  good  Services 
he  has  done  the  Town  as  their  Representative  the  Year  past. 

The  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  &  Mr.  Jas.  Pitts  Overseers 
of  the  Poor  in  the  room  of  Daniel  Henchman  Esqr.  &  Mr.  Edward 
Bromfield  who  were  chose  in  March  last,  but  decline  Serving  in 
that  Office,  and  said  Hubbard  &  Pitts  being  present  pray'd  the 
Town  to  excuse  them  as  their  Bussiness  will  not  permit  them  to 
Serve  ;  Voted  that  they  be  Excus'd  accordy 
Whereupon,  Mr.  John  Tudor  & 

Mr.  William  Phillips 
were  chose  in  their  Room  and  Accepted. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz*,  what  Application  may  be  neces- 
sary to  be  made  to  the  General  Court  for  the  better  Securing  the 
Powder  House  in  the  Common  came  under  Consideration,  and  it  is 
thereupon  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the 
Town  be  and  they  hereby  are  desir'd  to  Apply  to  the  General 
Court  at  their  next  Sessions,  that  they  wou'd  take  effectual  Care, 
that  said  Powder  House  may  be  better  Secured,  than  it  now  is. 

[3  7  9-^.  ]  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  one  Hundred  &  Twenty  Pounds 
Lawful  money  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall  for  his 
Salary  as  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing 
Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  to  him  quarterly  and  to  Commence  at 
the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  twenty  Pounds  Lawfull 
mone}T  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  John  Lovell  for  bis  Salary  as 
Master  of  the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  &  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration 
of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as 
Master  of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  ensuing  year  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of 
the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  Lawful  money  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  Mr.  Zachh.  Hicks  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  North  Writing  School  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him 
Quarterly,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  paid  unto 
Mr.  Sam1.  Holyoke  Master  of  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street 
the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  and  to  Commence  at 
the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  Lawful  Mone}-  be  Allowed 


Boston  Town  Records,   1750.  291 

&  paid  unto  Mr.  Nath1.  Gardner  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the 
South  Grammar  School,  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
&  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  Lawful  Money  be  allow'd 
and  paid  unto  Mr.  John  Procter  junr.  for  his  Salary  as  one  of  the 
Master  of  the  "Writing  School  [380.]  In  Queen  Street  the  ensu- 
ing Year  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  and  to  Commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  Lawful  Money  be 
Allowed  to  Mr.  David  Jeffries  for  his  Services  as  Treasurer  of  the 
Town  the  Year  past,  and  for  all  his  Expences  in  that  Office. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  26th.  of  May  last  to  Audit  the 
Accounts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries  now  Eeported  that  they  had 
attended  that  Service,  and  found  the  same  right  Cast,  and  well 
Vouched,  in  which  he  Charges  himself  with  sundry  Fines  and 
other  Incomes  of  the  Town,  as  also  with  the  Tax  of  £4000  com- 
mitted to  the  Collectors,  all  which  Amounts  (including  the  ballance 
of  old  Account)  to  £7546,,  16,,  8§  —  And  the  said  Treasurer 
discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abatements  made  the  Collectors,  by 
Drafts  made  by  the  Selectmen  am0,  to  £2746,,  6,,  7f,  and  by 
Drafts  made  by  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  which  contain  the 
Charges  of  the  Almshouse  and  Workehouse  amounting  to  £1483,, 
19,,  4  &  which  we  have  inspected  in  a  very  particular  manner  by 
examining  every  particular  Voucher  produced  by  the  Overseers 
for  the  amount  of  that  Sum,  and  every  other  Branch  of  the  Pub- 
lick  Charge  all  amounting  to  £4254,,  1,,  2|,,  by  which  it  appears 
that  when  all  the  Taxes  Rents  and  Incomes  in  the  Town  are  in, 
the  ballance  will  be  £2794,,  7,,  7,,  f  which  said  Treasurer  is 
further  to  Account  for,  as  appears  by  the  Tryal  Ballance  of  said 
Account  given  in  by  said  Committee  and  on  File  ;  which  Report  & 
Account  being  Read,  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  16th.  of  May  last  to 
Visit  the  Schools  now  made  the  following 
Report  Viz4. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  11 :  1756. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
16 :  of  May  last  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  Publick 
Schools,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  therein 
as  they  should  think  proper,  do  new  Report. 

[380£.]  That  on  the  27th  Day  of  June  last,  We  attended  that 
Service  Accompanied  by  the  following  Gentleman  Viz' 

The  Honble.  John  Jeffries  Esqr. 

The  Honble.  Richard  Bill  Esq/. 

The  Gentn.  the  Representatives  of  the  Town 

The  Gent",  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

The  Revu.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather 

The  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Cooper 

John  Steele  Esqr. 

Thomas  Greene  Esqr. 

Mr.  James  Pitts 


Selectmen. 


292  City  Document  No.  170. 

Mr.  Oxenbrulge  Thacher 
Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries 
and  found  in  the  South  Grammer  School  there  was  125  Scholars, 
in  the  South  Writing  School  216  Scholars,  in  the  Writing  School 
in  Queen  Street  180  Scholars,  in  the  North  Grammar  School  28 
Scholars,  and  in  the  North  Writing  School  210  Scholars,  all  in 
very  good  Order. 

Samuel  Grant 

Thomas  Hill 

Joseph  Jackson 

Thomas  dishing 

Samuel  Hewes 

John  S  coll  ay  J 

Read  &  Accepted,  and  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen 
be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Visit  the  Schools  this  present  Year, 
and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  as  they  shall  think 
proper. 

Voted  that  Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  the  Honble.  Samuel  Welles 
Esqr.  Mr.  John  Spooner,  Mr.  John  Rowe  &  Mr.  Wm.  Cooper  Be 
and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Account 
of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries,  and  also  the  Accot3.  of  the  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  and  the  said  Committee  are  directed  and  impowred  to 
Inspect  every  particular  Account  of  the  Monies  expended  for  the 
use  of  the  Almshouse  and  make  Report  thereon,  as  soon  as  they 
have  done  the  same. 

[381.]  The  Town  pass'd  upon  the  Lists  of  Persons  qualifyed 
to  Serve  as  Petit  Jurors  for  the  Superiour  and  Inferiour  Courts 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  and  Court  of  Sessions  and  proceeded  to 
Act  thereupon  as  the  Law  requires. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  and  things  that  remain  unfinished  be 
Continued  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  to  be  then 
Considered  of,  and  Acted  upon. 

Voted  Unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
is  given  to  the  Honble.  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting,  for  transacting  the  Business  thereof. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissal. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil-Hall  on  Monday  the  four- 
teenth day  of  March  AD  1757. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

Sundry  Laws  Read. 

John  Phillips  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator  by  a  written  Vote  and 
he  took  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit 
of  the  Governments  of  Connecticutt,  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode 
Island,  as  required  by  the  Act  of  this  Province. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  unanimously  chose  Town  Clerk  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  &  having  taken  the  Oath  required  by  the  Act  of  the 
26th.  of  his  present  Majesty's  Reign  respecting  the  paying  and  re- 
ceiving Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments  [38l|.]  Took 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  293 

the  Oath  of  Office  which  were  administred  to  him  by  John  Phillips 
Esqr. 

Sundry  Petitions  Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  seven  Selectmen  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  Sorted  it  Appeared  that 
Samuel  Grant  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esqr. 
Joseph  Jackson  Esqr. 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing 
Mr.  Samuel  Hewes 
Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  unanimously  chosen  &  took  the  Oath  respecting  their  pacing 
and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  neighbouring  Governments  as 
required  by  the  Act  of  this  Province  of  the  26th.  of  his  present 
Majesty. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  12  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  & 
being  Sorted  it  appeared  that. 

the  Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr. 
John  Phillips  Esqr. 
Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Ebenezer  Storer  Esqr. 
Mr.  John  Barrett 
Mr.  John  Tudor 
Mr.  Royal  Tyler 
Thomas  Flucker  Esqr. 
Mr.  William  Phillips 
James  Pitts  Esqr. 
Peter  Chardon  Esqr.     Refuses. 
Mr.  Benja.  Dolbeare 
were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to  the 
HonbIe.  Jacob  Wendell  Esqr.  and  John  Hill  Esqr.  for  the  faithful 
services  they  have  done  the  Town  as  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for 
twenty  Years  past,  and  to  Captain  [382.]  Nathaniel  Greenwood 
for  two  Years  past. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Town  Treasurer,  &  upon 
viewing  them  it  appeared  that  Mr.  David  Jeffries  was  unanimously 
chose  to  that  Office,  and  having  taken  the  Oath  relating  to  his  pay- 
ing and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  was 
sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  Duty  in  that  Office. 

Voted  that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  choice  of  twelve  Constables 
for  the  Year  ensuing,  distinct  from  the  Collectors  of  Taxes. 

Voted  that  any  Person  chose  into  the  Office  of  a  Constable  shall 
be  excused  upon  his  paying  a  Fine  of  Six  Pounds. 

Voted  that  not  more  than  one  Person  that  has  heretofore  Served 
as  a  Constable  in  this  Town  (within  the  time  he  was  obliged  by 
Law  to  serve)  shall  be  chose  this  Year. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  12  Constables  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

Mess™.  Nathan  Spear  Sworn 

Nath1.  Thayer  Sworn 


294 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Benja.  Adams  Sworn 

Thomas  Raymand  Sworn 

John  Joy  Excused 

Hugh  Moore  Excused 

John  Pattin  Sworn 

Jacob  Thayer  Sworn 

Tho9.  Bell,  Taylor  Sworn 

Tho8.  Hubbard  Hatter      Sworn 
Benjamin  Edes  Sworn 

Daniel  Pecker  Sworn 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  &  they 
were  Sealed  up  by  Consta.  Patten  to  be  by  him  kept  &  returned  to 
the  next  Quarter  Sessions  to  be  holden  for  this  County. 


[382J.]  Mess™.  William  Gray 
John  Leverett 
John  Deming 
Corn8.  Thayer 
Samuel  Downe 
John  Winslow  Hatter 
Henderson  Inches 
Daniel  Boyer 
Samuel  Austin 
Samuel  Dexter 
Moses  Peck 
Joseph  Waldo 
Joseph  Winslow 


Sworn 


Sworn 

Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 


Excused 
Sworn 


were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messr8.  William  Welch  Sworn 

Isaac  White  Sworn 

Isaac  Vergoose  Sworn 

William  Paine  Sworn 

John  G-reenough  Excused 

William  Nichols  Sworn 

John  Grant 
Clement  Collins 
Robert  Ford 

James  Clark  Sworn 

Andrew  Symes  Sworn 

Benj\  Bicknell  Sworn 

Moses  Eayres  Sworn 

were  chose  Surveyors  of  Boards  &c.  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mr.  John  Gray 

was  chose  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
MessM.  Benjamin  Russell 
Nathaniel  Wales 
Onesiphorus  Tilestone 
Thomas  Crafts 

Obadiah  Low  Sworn 

Caleb  Ray 

were  chose  Fence  Viewers  of  the  Year  ensuing. 
[383.]   Mess™.  Nathaniel  Gardner 
Joseph  Belknap 

were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  295 

Joseph  Curtis  Sworn 

was  chose  Howard  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  David  Cutler 

Thos.  Foster 
were  chose  Assaymasters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Henry  Rhodes  Sworn 

John  Child  Sworn 

James  Downing  Sworn 

were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess18.  Benja.  "Wheeler  Excused 

John  Pulling 

Nath1.  Bird 

John  Bennet  Excused 

Thomas  Parker 

Seth  Pond  Sworn 

were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Belcher  Noyes 

Ambrose  Vincent 

John  Forsyth 

John  Moffatt 

Joseph  Edwards 

David  Wheeler  Excused. 

Benja.  Hodgdon 

Nathan  Simpson 

Benja.  Harrod 

Benf.  Fitch 

Thomas  Adams 

John  Harris 

Elisha  Foster 
were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Selectmen      ~) 
Surveyors  of  >      [In  margin.] 

Highways  ) 
[383-|.]  Tythingmen.     [In  margin.]     Nothing  done  thereon. 
Mr.  Isaac  Smith  was  chose  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  in  the  Room 
of  Peter  Chardon  Esqr.  who  declines  serving. 

John  Phillips  Esqr. 

Joseph  Jackson  Esqr. 

Mr.  John  Scollay 

Mr.  Royal  Tyler 

Cap'.  Hopestill  Foster 

Mr.  John  Rowe 

Cap'.  Newman  Greenough 

Cap4.  Thomas  Savage 

Nath1.  Wheelwright  Esqr. 

Mr.  Joseph  Jackson 

Mr.  William  Cooper 

Thomas  Flucker  Esqr. 
were  chose  Firewards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess™.  Eliphalet  Parker  Sworn 

William  Warland  Sworn 

Constables.      [In  margin.] 


296  City  Document  No.   170. 

The  Selectmen  Report  on  the  Account  of  Mr.  John  Fenno  keeper 
of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  as  is  entred  in  his  Book  (and  on 
File  in  the  Town  Clerk's  Office)  Read  &  Voted  that  the  same  be 
accepted  and  accordingly,  Mr.  Fenno  be  further  accountable  to  the 
Town  for  1840  Bushels  of  Corn,  &  460  Bushels  of  Rye  remaining 
unsold  amounting  to  £289  ,,  16  ,,  0,  and  also  for  the  Sum  of  £191  ,, 
4  ,,  5  Cash  now  in  his  hands,  exclusive  of  the  Sum  of  £26  ,,  13  ,,  4 
for  his  Salary  and  Assistance,  as  charged  in  said  Accompt  which 
is  hereby  allowed  him. 

Thomas  Greene  and  Joseph  Jackson  Esqrs.  and  Mr.  John  Scollay 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  they  are 
desired  &  impowred  to  give  all  needful  directions  to  the  keeper  of 
the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantities  of  the  Grain  to  be  sold  & 
setting  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  may  require. 

[384.]  The  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz',  whether  the  Town 
will  give  "  any  additional  Bounty  for  the  Encouragement  of  Persons 
to  inlist  in  the  Service  of  the  Province  in  the  present  Expedition  " 
was  considered  of  and  after  some  debate  thereon,  it  was  Voted  that 
said  Article  be  dismissed. 

Voted  that  Benjamin  Prat,  Charles  Apthorp,  Thomas  Greene 
Richard  Dana  Joseph  Lee  and  James  Boutineau  Esq1"3.  Docter 
William  Clarke  Mr.  John  Rowe,  Mr.  John  Ruddock  Mr.  Oxenbridge 
Thacher  Mr.  Royal  Tyler  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Mr.  Isaac  Walker 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Bethune  &  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  be  &  they  hereby 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  the  General  Court  to  enable 
the  Town  to  Raise  by  Tax  on  the  Inhabitants  such  a  Sum  of  Money 
as  will  be  needful  to  make  up  the  Deficiencies  of  the  Years  1755  & 
1 756  occasioned  by  an  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  Persons  unable 
to  pay  them,  and  also  for  any  other  Relief  that  said  Committee 
shall  think  necessary. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  11  of  May  last  to  Audit  the 
Accompts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries,  now  reported,  that  they  had 
attended  that  service  &  found  the  same  right  cast  &  well  vouched ; 
in  which  he  charges  himself  with  sundry  Fines  Rents,  and  other  In- 
comes of  the  Town,  as  also  with  the  Tax  of  £3500  committed  to  the 
Collectors  all.which  amounts  (including  the  Ballance  of  the  old  Ac- 
compt) to  £6807,,  19,,  9,,  |.  And  the  said  Treasurer  discharges  him- 
self by  sundry  Abatements  made  the  Collectors,  by  Drafts  made  by 
the  Selectmen  amounting  to  £2321,,  7,,  5,  And  by  Drafts  made  by 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  which  contain  Charges  of  the  Alms-house 
and  Workhouse  amounting  to  £1769,,  6,,  11  and  which  they  had 
inspected  in  a  very  particular  manner  by  examining  every  partic- 
ular Voucher  produced  by  the  Overseers  for  the  amount  of  that 
Sum,  &  every  other  Branch  of  publick  Charge  all  amounting  to 
£5591,,  17,,  2£  by  which  it  appears  that  when  all  ye.  Taxes  Rents 
and  Incomes  of  the  Town  are  in,  the  Ballance  will  be  £1 216,,  2,,  7,,  J 
which  the  Treasurer  is  further  to  Account  for,  as  appears  by 
the  Tryal  Ballance  of  said  Account  given  in  by  said  Committee  & 
on  File,  which  Report  and  Account  being  Read 

Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted. 

[384£.]  Voted  that  Mr.  John  Rowe  Thomas  Greene  Esqr. 
Mr.  Nicholas  Boylstone  Mr.  William  Cooper  &  James  Boutineau 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  297 

Esqr.  be  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the 
Accompts  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Jeffries  and  also  the  Accompts  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  the  said  Committee  are  desired  &  im- 
powred  to  inspect  every  particular  Accouut  of  the  Monies  ex- 
pended for  the  use  of  the  Alms-house  and  make  Report  thereon  to 
the  Town  as  soon  as  they  have  done  the  same. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  £20  be  allowed  and  paid  to  Cap4.  Isaac 
Dupee  for  his  Salary  as  Clerk  of  Faneuil-Hall  Market  the  Year 
past. 

Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  adjourned  'till  tomorrow  morning  9 
o'Clock. 

Tuesday  Morning  9  o'Clock  the  Inhabitants  met  according  to 
Adjournment. 

Mess™.  Samuel  Treat 

Joseph  Dyer 

Edward  Potter 

Isaac  Fowle 

David  Spear 

Edward  Cowell 

John  Hobbs 

Robert  Treat 

Benja.  Barnard  Sworn 

Jonathan  Jenkins 
were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  &ca.  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Messrs.  William  Fairfield  Sworn 

John  Kneeland  Sworn 

Peter  Oliver  Sworn 

Benja.  Church  Sworn 

Samuel  Edwards 

Isaac  White  Sworn 

Daniel  Marsh  Excused 

John  Goldthwait  Sworn 

were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[385.]  On  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted  unanimously 
that  the  Person  that  shall  be  choose  Clerk  of  Faneuil-Hall  Market 
for  the  ensuing  year  be  &  he  hereby  is  forbidden  to  buy  any  Prov- 
isions in  said  Market  other  than  for  his  own  Family,  and  if  such 
Clerk  of  the  Market  be  Convicted  of  the  breach  of  this  Order  before 
the  Selectmen  he  shall  forfeit  &  loose  his  Salai-y  from  the  time  of 
such  Breach.  • 

Voted  that  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing,  Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher 
Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  Mr.  Royal  Tyler  and  Mr.  Benja.  Kent  or  a 
Major  part  of  them  be  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  and  impowred 
as  a  Committee  to  accommodate  in  such  a  manner  as  they  shall 
judge  best  the  Action  now  depending  in  the  Law  between  the 
Assessors  and  the  Honble.  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  &  others  which  the 
Town  formerly  Voted  to  defend  at  their  Cost,  and  Report  their 
doings  thereon  to  the  Town. 

Voted  that  the  Auditors  of  the  Accompts  of  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor  chose  this  Meeting  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  and  im- 
powred when  they  shall  Audit  said  Accompts  to  allow  to  said  Over- 
seers or  such  of  them  as  shall  hereafter  advance  Monies  for  the 


298  City  Document  No.  170. 

support  of  the  Poor,  Interest  on  all  Sums  from  the  time  advanc'd 
till  the  day  of  payment. 

The  Town  passed  upon  the  List  of  Persous  qualified  to  serve  as 
Petit  Jurors  at  the  Superiour  and  Inferiour  Courts  for  the  County 
of  Suffolk  and  Court  of  Sessions  and  proceeded  to  act  thereupon 
as  the  Law  requires. 

Voted  that  no  Person  shall  be  chose  a  Collector  of  Taxes  for 
the  present  Year  who  has  heretofore  served  in  that  Office,  and 
cannot  produce  Receipts  in  full  from  the  several  Treasurers  whom 
he  was  obliged  to  pay  for  the  Year  1755. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  be  and  hereby 
is  allowed  to  be  paid  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors 
of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Col- 
lect provided  they  pay  into  the  Town  Treasury  one  half  part  of 
the  whole  Sum  they  are  obliged  to  pay  [885-g-.]  Him  within  four 
Months  from  the  time  they  receive  the  Tax  Books  from  the  Asses- 
sors, and  the  other  half  part  in  three  Months  after,  and  also  pay 
into  the  Province  &  County  Treasuries  one  half  part  of  the  whole 
Sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  them  respectively  in  seven 
Months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the  Tax  Books  from  the 
Assessors  as  aforesaid,  and  the  other  half  part  in  five  Months 
after ;  and  in  case  either  of  said  Collectors  shall  fail  paying  in 
manner  aforesaid,  the  Collector  so  failing  shall  not  be  entitled  to 
the  aforesaid  Allowance  of  twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  but  wholly 
forfeit  the  same  ;  provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give 
Bond  with  sufficient  Sureties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  Duty  in  said  Office  and  comply- 
ing with  this  Vote. 

The   Inhabitants  brought   in  their  Votes  for  four  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
Messrs.  John  Ruddock 
James  Scutt 
Jonathan  Pay  son 
Samuel  Adams 
were  chose  into  that  Office  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  John  Tilestone  setting  forth  that  he  had  served 
a  regular  Apprenticeship  in  one  of  the  Publick  "Writing  Schools  in 
this  Town,  and  has  for  two  Years  &  a  half  had  the  favour  of  being 
appointed  Usher  in  one  of  them  where  he  now  is ;  and  he  having 
at  this  time  just  entred  on  the  Stage  of  Life  for  himself,  finds  his 
Board  &  Expences  in  it  exceed  your  Grant  that  was  allowed  him 
in  his  Apprenticeship,  &  humbly  praying  that  the  Town  would 
allow  him  what  further  support  they  in  their  Wisdom  shall  think 
needful,  was  Read,  and  thereupon  it  was  Voted  that  the  Sum  of 
Fifty  Pounds  p  Annum  be  &  hereby  is  allowed  to  said  John  Tiles- 
ton  during  the  time  he  shall  Officiate  as  Usher  in  said  School,  the 
same  to  commence  from  the  12th  day  of  February  last  and  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due. 

Cap1.  Isaac  Dupee  was  chose  Clerk  of  Faneuil-Hall  Market  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 

[386.]  Voted  unanimously  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby 
are  impowred  to  sit  'till  the  first  day  of  April  next  and  no  longer 


Boston   Town  Records,  1757.  299 

for  making  an  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as  they 
shall  judge  reasonable ;  saving  that  they  have  liberty  to  sit  the 
two  last  Weeks  in  November  next,  to  abate  (if  they  see  cause) 
the  Taxes  of  all  such  Persons  as  shall  appear  to  them  to  have 
been  out  of  the  Province,  and  so  could  not  have  made  Application 
to  them  for  an  Abatement  before  said  first  day  of  April. 

Ordered  that  this  Vote  be  immediately  Printed,  and  that  the 
Constables  leave  the  same  at  the  Dwelling  Houses  of  such  of  the 
Inhabitants  as  are  within  their  respective  Wards,  that  none  may 
plead  ignorance  thereof. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  Report  to  the  Town  at  the  intended 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  what  Abatement  of  Taxes  they 
shall  then  have  made. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  may  sit  the  two  last  Weeks  in  Novem- 
ber next  to  abate  (if  they  see  cause)  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as 
shall  appear  to  them  to  have  become  Bankrupts  or  have  died 
between  the  said  first  day  of  April  and  said  time  of  Sitting,  and 
which  the  Collectors  shall  have  endeavour'd  to  have  got  in  but 
could   not. 

The  Town  considered  of  sundry  Proposals  offered  in  Writing 
relating  to  the  Dirt  in  the  Streets  which  are  as  follows  Viz4.  Pro- 
posals offered  to  the  Town  of  Boston  relating  to  the  Street  Dirt 
March  14 :   1757. 

1st.  That  the  Town  do  pass  a  Vote  that  no  Person  do  carry 
away  the  Street  Dirt  unless  by  the  Order  of  the  Selectmen. 

2ly.  That  the  Selectmen  be  directed  to  divide  the  Town  into 
several  Wards  &  to  Farm  the  same  Wards  to  the  highest  Bidder 
for  one  two  or  more  Years. 

317.  The  Farmer  to  be  under  Obligation  to  carry  awa}^  all  Dirt 
in  his  Ward  within  24  hours  after  the  same  is  rak'd  up  by  the 
Abutters. 

4tUy.     In  case  he  neglect  that  he  forfeit  the  Sum  of  for 

such  Default,  &  the  Abutter  may  procure  another  Cart  to  carry 
away  the  same  Dirt  at  the  expence  of  the  Farmer. 

[386|-.  ]  And  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  Mess™. 
Oxenbridge  Thacher  Samuel  Adams  &  William  Story  be  &  the}^ 
hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  the  same  into  Consider- 
ation and  prepare  a  By-Law  for  the  better  Regulation  &  Sale 
thereof  in  such  a  manner  as  they  shall  judge  most  for  the  Advan- 
tage of  the  Town,  &  Report  thereon  at  the  intended  Adjournment 
of  this  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  a  great  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  setting  forth, 
that  there  is  a  vacant  Peice  of  Land  belonging  to  the  Town  in  Water 
street  that  for  many  Years  was  occupied  only  for  a  Tann  heap,  as 
it  was  judged  to  be  of  some  small  advantage  to  the  Poor,  Tan 
being  brought  there  from  the  several  Tan  Yards  that  were  then  near, 
but  as  those  Places  are  now  mostly  improved  for  other  uses,  scarce 
any  Tan  has  been  put  on  said  vacant  Peice  of  Land  for  a  long 
time,  but  the  same  now  is  and  for  a  considerable  time  past  has 
been  a  Publick  Nusance,  many  Persons  having  put  quantities  of 
Filth,  and  some  emptied  their  Vaults  there,  that  it  is  not  only  very 
inconvenient  to  the   Inhabitants  that  dwell  near,   but  extreamly 


300  City  Document  No.  170. 

offensive  especially  in  the  Summer  Season,  when  they  have  no 
comfort  or  satisfaction  in  their  own  Houses,  occasioned  by  the 
disagreeable  Stench  arising  from  this  Nusance.  The  Petitioners 
therefore  pray  the  Town  will  now  take  the  same  into  Considera- 
tion, and  Order  that  said  vacant  Ground  be  added  to  Water-Street 
as  no  other  use  can  be  made  of  it  and  that  the  same  may  be  paved 
at  the  Expence  of  some  of  the  Inhabitants  that  live  near  it ;  the 
Petitioners  being  Inform'd  there  are  some  who  are  willing  for  their 
own  Convenience  &  Comfort  to  be  at  that  expence  rather  than  it 
should  lay  as  it  does,  and  by  this  means  the  Petitioners  apprehend 
said  Nusance  will  be  removed,  and  thereby  an  Expence  saved  the 

Town  who  are  liable  to  be  Presented  therefor. said  Petition 

was  Read,  and  the  same  being  Consider'd  of  &  Debated  upon,  It 
was  Voted  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  &  that  the 
said  Lands  heretofore  improved  as  a  Tanheap  be  &  hereby  is  added 
to  said  Water  Street,  &  for  the  future  to  be  accounted  part 
thereof,  provided  that  it  shall  appear  to  the  Selectmen  that  the 
same  is  the  Property  of  the  Town,  and  also  that  Cap'.  James 
Dalton  one  of  the  Petitioners  give  a  legal  Quit  Claim  to  the  Town 
of  all  his  Interest  therein  (if  any  he  has)  and  in  any  [387.] 
Other  Lands  he  has  added  to  said  Street ;  as  also  that  some  of  the 
Petitioners  or  any  other  Persons  give  Security  to  said  Selectmen 
that  the  Land  hereby  added  to  said  Street  shall  be  soon  Paved  at 
their  expence  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen. 

Samuel  Grant  Esqr.  Mr.  Thomas  Hill  Joshua  Henshaw  and 
Joseph  Jackson  Esqrs.  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Mr.  Samuel  Hewes 
and  Mr.  John  Scollay  appointed  by  an  Act  of  the  General  Court 
Managers  of  Boston  Lotteries  for  raising  Monies  to  Pave  &  Repair 
the  Neck,  presented  their  Account  for  Lottery  Number  one  drawn 
in  August  last  being  as  follows  viz*. 

To  Samuel  Grant  for  timespent  in  Signing  &  Numbering  Tick  etts, 
selling  ditto,  rolling  up  the  Numbers  Blanks  &  Prizes  drawing  said 
Lottery,  &  paying  the  benefit  Ticketts       ....  £18. 

To  Thomas  Hill  for  ditto 18,,  12. 

To  Joshua  Henshaw  for  ditto  , 17,,  11. 

To  Joseph  Jackson  for  ditto 17,,     8. 

To  Thomas  Cushing  for  ditto 18,,    — 

To  Samuel  Hewes  for  ditto 17,,     8     — 

To  John  Scollay  for  ditto .     17,,  13,,  9 

£124,,  13„  9. 
which  Account  being  Read,  It  was  unanimously  Voted  that  the 
same  be  and  hereby  is  accepted. 

The  Petition  of  John  Wardel  setting  forth  that  he  for  nine  Years 
last  past  has  been  employed  by  the  Town  as  Hayweigher  and  as 
such  has  annually  paid  into  the  Town  Treasury  twenty  Pounds 
Lawful  money  as  also  the  Rent  and  Repairs  of  the  Hay-Market 
during  which  time  the  Petitioner  has  acted  with  Fidelity  as  far  as 
he  knows ;  but  of  late  an  Advertisement  was  put  into  the  public 
Prints  setting  forth  in  purport  that  the  Petitioner  had  not  done 
justice  in  weighing  of  Hay  &ca.  as  in  said  Print  is  more  fully  men- 
tioned ;  upon  reading  of  which  the  Petitioner  immediately  applyed 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1757.  301 

himself  to  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  and  told  them  that  the  Scales 
were  right  as  he  apprehended,  excepting  that  the  weights  by  reason 
of  their  being  wore  were  something  too  light ;  whereupon  the  Gen- 
tlemen Selectmen  Ordered  him  to  carry  them  to  the  Sealer  to  have 
them  Rectifyed  which  Orders  were  immediately  obeyed  and  the 
wantage  in  the  whole  number  of  weights  was  a  pound  and  three 
ounces  for  which  the  Petitioner  was  wont  to  make  [387^-.]  Al- 
lowance but  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  directly  dismiss'd  the  Peti- 
tioner as  Hay-weigher  and  took  the  keys  from  him  .  .  .  Now 
in  as  much  as  the  Petitioner  has  for  many  Years  past  got  his  Live- 
lihood by  Acting  as  Hay -weigher  and  has  ever  Acted  with  Integrity 
in  said  Office,  begs  that  he  may  not  be  turned  out  without  having 
the  least  Notice,  and  only  by  means  of  an  Advertisement  zealously 
Worded  for  the  good  of  the  Town  or  rather  of  the  Advertizer,  that 
the  Petitioner  did  not  know  that  it  was  his  Buisness  to  get 
the  Weights  Sealed  but  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  would 
direct  and  inspect  into  that  Affair  as  occasion  might  Offer  ;  but  if 
the  Petitioner  had  been  guilty  of  any  inadvertancy  (which  he  is 
ignorant  of)  he  hopes  to  be  more  Attentive  for  the  future  and  in 
all  Respects  comply  with  the  directions  and  injunctions  of  the 
Town  or  Selectmen  touching  the  said  Hay -maker,  wherefore  he 
prays  the  Town  to  take  the  Premisses  into  their  wise  Consideration 
and  restore  him  to  the  Office  of  Hay-weigher  again,  and  if  upon 
Tryal  he  does  not  the  reasonable  expectations  of  the  Town  he  will 
chearfully  submit  to  their  determination,  was  Read,  as  also  the 
Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  to  prevent  any  Person's  Engrossing 
of  Hay  bro't  to  Market  for  Sale  ;  and  the  Town  took  said  Petitions 
into  Consideration,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  Voted  that  the 
Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  &  impowred  to  appoint 
such  Person  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  weigh  Hay  at  said 
Engine,  &  on  such  Terms  as  they  shall  judge  best  &  from  time 
to  time  give  all  necessary  directions  and  orders  concerning  it,  and 
take  such  Security  from  the  Hay  weigher  as  shall  by  them  be 
thought  reasonable.  Also  Voted  that  no  Person  that  shall  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  Selectmen  to  weigh  Hay  at  said  Engine,  shall  pur- 
chase or  engross  any  Hay  brought  to  Market  for  Sale  either  by 
Land  or  Water  but  for  his  own  use,  and  when  it  shall  appear  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  that  he  has  so  done  they  are 
desired  immediately  to  dismiss  him. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Friday 
the  15  :  of  April  next  at  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

The  Town  met  according  to  their  Adjournment  &  upon  a  motion 
made  &  Seconded  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  further  Adjourned 
to  Wednesday  the  20th.  Instant  at  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[388.]  Wednesday  April  20  :  1757  The  Town  met  according 
to  their  Adjournment. 

Benjamin  Prat  Esqr.  and  the  other  Gentlemen  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee the  14  :  March  last  to  apply  to  the  General  Court  &c  pre- 
sented to  the  Town  a  Copy  of  the  Petition  they  preferr'd  to  said 
Court  &  is  as  follows  viz'. 

To  his  Honour  Spencer  Phips  Esqr.  Lieu'.  Governour  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  said  Province  the  IIonble.  Council  and  House 


302  City  Document  No.   170. 

of    Representatives    in    General   Court   Assembled    March   30th. 
1757. 

The  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston.  Hum- 
bly shews. 

That  the  Power  of  the  Assessors  to  ease  Persons  by  abateing 
their  Taxes  seems  by  a  paragraph  of  the  Province  Act  of  the 
fourth  of  George  the  second,  Chapter  the  first  to  be  restrained  to 
only  such  cases  as  where  such  Persons  are  Rated  more  than  their 
Proportion  with  others. 

That  besides  a  great  Number  of  Poor  in  Boston  who  are  either 
wholly  or  in  part  maintained  by  the  Town,  &  so  are  exempt  from 
being  Taxed,  there  are  many  who  are  Rateable  according  to  Law 
either  for  their  Polls  or  Tenements  that  they  occupy  or  both,  who  are 
yet  in  such  poor  Circumstances  that  considering  how  little  Buisness 
there  is  to  be  done  in  Boston  they  can  scarcely  procure  from  day 
to  da\r  daily  Bread  for  themselves  and  Families,  at  the  same  time 
so  heavy  are  the  Taxes  in  Boston  that  each  of  such  Persons  pro- 
portion thereof  for  the  Tenement  wherein  he  lives  will  amount  to  a 
sufficiency  to  pay  not  only  all  Taxes  but  Rent  too  for  a  Tenement 
of  equal  goodness  in  most  of  the  other  Towns  in  this  Province. 
These  peculiar  Circumstances  have  induced  the  Assessors  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  to  ease  many  of  such  persons  by  abateing  their 
Taxes,  thd  realy  they  were  not  assessed  at  more  than  their  legal 
proportion,  and  their  Abatements  for  the  Year  1755  amounted 
to  £1460,  and  such  Abatements  for  the  Year  1756  already 
amount  to  £1950  more  :  that  these  Abatements  in  these  two  Years 
amount  to  much  more  than  was  at  all  expected,  and  some  Con- 
tingent Town.  Charges  have  also  unexpectedly  happened  so  that 
the  Fund  appropriated  in  the  Town  Treasury  for  making  good 
Abatement's  is  outrun,  and  the  Town  on  [388£.]  It's  own  Ac- 
count much  in  Debt  even  exclusive  of  these  Defficiencies  this 
situation  is  peculiarly  alarming  to  your  Petitioners  as  by  means 
thereof  there  is  not  any  fund  in  the  Town  Treasury  for  paying  the 
Town  Charges,  all  the  Servants  of  the  Town  are  unpaid,  &  many 
of  them  greatly  suffering  for  want  of  their  Dues  ; 

The  Poor  suported  either  wholly  or  in  part  by  the  Town  in  the 
Alms-house  and  out  of  it  will  amount  to  the  Number  of  about  one 
thousand  cannot  longer  be  supported,  as  in  Effect  both  the  Money 
and  Credit  of  this  Town  by  the  means  abovementioned  gone ; 
And  may  it  please  your  Honours  your  Petitioners  apprehend 
that  without  your  Honours  Aid  they  can  never  be  releived, 
for  on  the  one  hand  it  seems  to  be  doubtful  whether  the  Town  has 
legal  Power  to  Tax  the  Inhabitants  to  make  good  the  present 
Defficiences  arising  upon  Abatements  if  not  Warranted  by  Law, 
especially  the  amount  being  so  large,  and  the  great  Mischiefs  of 
making  so  large  a  Tax  as  these  Defficiences  amount  to  that  is 
open  to  disputes  and  altercations  your  Honours  will  readily  see.  & 
on  the  other  hand  such  a  Tax  would  be  an  excesive  Burthen  on  a 
Town  that  by  loss  of  its  Trade,  loss  of  its  People  and  increase  of 
its  Poor  and  load  of  Taxes  is  brought  to  the  brink  of  utter  Ruin  ; 
For,  may  it  please  your  Honours,  'tis  notorious  that  the  Province 
exclusive  of  this  Town  is  greatly  increased  in  Numbers  Trade  and 


Boston  Town  Eecord,  1757.  303 

Rateable  Estates  within  20  Years  last  past ;  while  in  the  mean 
time  the  Trade  and  Rateable  Polls  of  this  declining  Town  within 
that  Period  are  reduced  near  one  half,  and  yet  its  proportion  of 
the  Tax  is  nearly  the  same  as  in  its  flourishing  State  ;  and  as  this 
Malencholly  situation  of  this  Town  has  been  often  Remonstrated 
to  your  Honours,  your  Petitioners  confide  in  your  goodness  that 
they  shall  obtain  Releif  in  that  respect  as  soon  as  a  Valuation  can 
be  taken  through  the  Province,  and  be  in  titled  to  a  considerable 
Allowance  at  the  least  for  the  Year  1756  pursuant  to  the  Resolve 
of  your  Honours  on  the  ninth  day  of  April  last  Viz'. 

"  That  the  proportion  of  the  several  Towns  and  Districts  to- 
wards the  Tax  for  the  Year  1756  or  any  other  Year,  before  a  new 
Valuation  shall  be  compleated  shall  be  finally  adjusted  &  settled 
according  to  the  Proportion  which  the  several  Towns  and  Districts 
within  this  Province  shall  be  set  in  the  next  valuation." 

[389.]  And  as  the  Valuation  is  not  yet  taken,  &  that  Allow- 
ance cannot  be  adjusted,  and  your  Petitioners  distresses  call  for 
immediate  Relief  Your  Petitioners  humbly  pray  your  Honours 
would  be  pleased  to  authorize  the  Town  by  Vote  in  Town  Meeting 
to  raise  by  a  Tax  on  the  Polls  &  Estates  of  the  Town  the  Sum  of 
£3410  or  more  if  necessary  to  supply  the  defflciency  arising  from 
the  Abatements  aforesaid,  and  that  your  Honours  in  order  to 
supply  the  present  Necessities  and  give  your  Petitioners  present 
Relief  would  further  please  to  indulge  the  Town  with  the  benefit 
and  use  of  the  like  Sum  of  £3410  out  of  the  Province  Tax  appor- 
portioned  to  this  Town  for  the  Year  1756  and  dispence  with  their 
paying  the  same  to  the  Province  Treasury  untill  the  Valuation 
shall  be  taken  &this  Town's  Proportion  be  thereupon  adjusted,  or 
othei-wise  releive  your  Petitioners  as  your  Wisdom  &  Goodness 
shall  direct,  which  was  Read. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  It  was  Voted  that  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  the  14  of  March  last  to  apply  to  the  General 
Court  to  enable  the  Town  to  raise  by  Tax  on  the  Inhabitants  such 
a  Sum  of  Money  as  should  be  needful  to  make  up  the  Defficiencies 
of  the  Years  1755  &  1756  occasioned  by  an  Abatement  of  the 
Taxes  of  Persons  unable  to  pay  them  ;  and  also  for  any  other  Re- 
lief the  said  Committee  shall  think  necessary,  be  &  they  hereby  are 
further  impowred  to  consider  of  any  other  Methods  that  they  may 
judge  proper  in  order  to  obtain  Relief  as  to  the  proportion  of  the 
Publick  Taxes,  and  to  prefer  any  Petition  or  Petitions  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court  from  time  to  time  as  the  said  Committee  may  think 
effectual  for  those  Purposes. 

Also  Voted  that  the  Article  in  the  Warrant  relating  to  this  Affair 
be  &  hereby  is  referr'd  to  the  Meeting  in  May  next  for  further 
Consideration. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th  of  March  last  to  Consider  of 
sundry  proposals  offered  in  Writing  relating  to  the  Dirt  in  the 
Streets,  &  prepare  a  By-Law  for  the  better  Regulation  &  Sale 
thereof,  Report  that  they  have  considered  of  said  Proposals  &  are 
of  Opinion  that  they  are  beneficial  to  the  Town,  and  that  the 
Method  therein  propos'd  will  both  contribute  to  keep  the  Streets 
cleaner  than  heretofore  they  have  been,  and  also  produce  some 


304  City  Document  No.  170. 

Monies  by  the  [389^.]  Dirt,  but  as  the  Town  have  already  Voted 
to  Revise  all  their  By-Laws,  and  the  Committee  who  have  them 
under  Consideration  will  (as  they  are  Informed)  be  ready  to  Re- 
port thereon  at  the  next  May  Meeting,  and  as  the  subject  matter 
of  said  proposals  may  be  easier  comprized  among  other  By-Laws, 
then  by  a  single  By-Law,  for  these  Reasons  they  have  not  drawn 
a  By-Law  but  report  that  the  Town  do  Instruct  said  Committee 
for  revising  their  By-Laws  to  Insert  among  them  one  for  the  pur- 
pose abovementioned.  which  being  Read,  Voted  that  said  Report  be 
accepted,  and  that  the  Committee  appointed  for  revising  the  By- 
Laws  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  Instructed  &  directed  to  pre- 
pare &  Report  a  By-Law  relating  to  the  Dirt  in  the  Streets  and 
for  the  Regulation  and  Sale  thereof. 

Voted  that  all  Matters  &  Things  that  remain  unfinished  be  & 
they  hereby  are  referred  &  continued  over  to  the  Meeting  of  the 
Town  in  May  next  to  be  then  taken  into  Consideration  &  Acted 
upon. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  is  given  to 
John  Phillips  Esqr.  the  Moderator  for  transacting  the  Buisness  of 
this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  &  warned  in  Public  Town  Meet- 
ing Assembled  at  Faneuil-Hall  on  Tuesday  the  tenth  day  of 
May  A  D  1757. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev'd.  Mr.  Thomas  Prince. 

The"  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  Laws.  Read. 

Samuel  Grant  Esqr  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their  Name 
to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  [390.]  Choice  of 
one  or  more  Persons  to  represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday  the  25th 
day  of  May  current,  and  in  order  therto,  to  consider  &  ascertain 
the  number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  elected,  accordingly  It  was  Voted 
to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  four  Representatives,  and  then  it  was 
declared  by  the  Selectmen  that  no  Votes  should  be  received  after 
twelve  o'Clock,  but  the  Poll  then  closed. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  voters  were  found  to 
be  528,  and  upon  Sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  three  following 
Gentlemen  only  were  chose  viz4. 

Votes 

The  honble  Thomas  Hubbard  Esqr.  444 

Thomas  Flucker  Esqr.  500 

Benjamin  Prat  Esqr.  447 

Which  being  declared  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in 
their  Votes  for  one  Representative,  which  they  accordingly  did,  & 
it  appeared  there  were  491  Voters,  but  upon  sorting  them  there  was 
no  Choice.  The  Selectmen  then  directed  that  this  Meeting  be 
Adjourned  to  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon  for  the  choice  of 
another  Representatives,  at  the  same  time  informing  the  Inhab- 
itants that  the  Poll  would  be  closed  precisely  at  four  o'Clock  and 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  305 

no  Votes  received  after,  and  said  Meeting  is  adjourned  accord- 
ingly. 

Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  and 
brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Representative  and  upon  Collecting 
them  it  appeared  there  were  754  Voters,  &  that 

Mr  John  Tyng 
was  chose  by  a  Majority  of  Votes  having  401 

and  Samuel  Welles  Esq1'  had  349 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  over  the  same  was  de- 
clared by  the  Selectmen. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moder- 
ator, and  upon  Sorting  them  it  appeared  that  Benja  Prat  Esqr  was 
chose,  &  he  having  taken  the  Oath  required  by  an  Act  of  this 
Province  relating  to  his  receiving  and  paying  Bills  of  Credit  of  the 
Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Hampshire  &  Rhode  Island ; 
took  his  Seat. 

[390J.]    The  Petitions  Read. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  setting 
forth  that  about  thirty  Years  ago  the  Town  erected  several  wooden 
Shops  on  the  North  side  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  and  have  ever 
since  Rented  them  out,  during  which  time  large  Sums  of  Money 
have  been  expended  to  keep  them  in  Repair,  that  they  are  now  so 
much  gone  to  decay  as  to  be  scarce  tenantable,  and  as  }rour  Mem- 
orialists are  informed,  there  must  be  immediate  &  thorough  Re- 
pairs made  of  them,  which  if  done  will  amount  to  a  very  consider- 
able Sum  of  Money  &  its  probable  in  a  few  Years  after,  will  want 
other  Repairs  so  that  the  Rent  thereof  will  not  be  equal  to  the 
Repairs  ;  which  all  must  allow  to  be  a  very  bad  Estate  as  upon  the 
whole  it  will  bring  the  Town  in  Debt  as  long  as  said  Shops  are 
there. 

Your  Memorialists  would  also  inform  that  the  open  Dock  behind 
said  Shops  is  become  very  nauseous  &  offensive  to  all  the  Inhabi- 
tants that  live  near,  &  to  the  Merchants  and  others  who  have 
Warehouses  on  the  Dock,  and  obliged  to  do  their  Business  in  them  ; 
and  as  the  keepiug  of  said  Dock  open,  is  not  of  the  least  benefit 
(that  your  Memorialists  know  of)  to  any  Inhabitants,  but  if  fill'd 
up  will  remove  the  disagreeable  Stench  arising  from  it ;  as  also  by 
this  means  there  will  be  a  large  commodious  Square  to  accomodate 
the  Market  People  who  have  for  some  Years  so  filled  up  the  Streets 
and  every  other  Place  round  the  Publick  Market  that  it  is  become 
an  intolerable  Greviance  to  the  Inhabitants,  &  has  been  &  still  is 
Matter  of  just  Complaint ;  it  may  also  be  of  great  benefit  in  case  of 
Fire  to  receive  any  Goods  the  Inhabitants  may  have  occasion  to 
remove  there  and  in  many  other  Respects  will  be  a  great  service 
to  the  Town. 

Your  Memorialists  therefore  upon  the  whole  pray  that  the  Town 
will  take  the  Premisses  into  Consideration  and  Order  that  said 
Shops  may  be  removed  or  deinolish'd  &  said  Dock  fill'd  up  so  far  & 
in  such  a  manner  as  shall  be  judged  best,  without  any  prejudice  to 
the  Proprietors  that  have  a  right  of  Drains  &c\  to  said  Dock ; 
[391.]  Was  Read,  and  after  some  debate  thereon  it  was  mov'd 
that  a  Committee  be  chose  to  consider  of  said  Petition  &  Report 


306  City  Document  No.  170. 

thereon,  and  the  Question  being  put  it  was  Voted  in  the  Negative, 
and  then  a  Question  was  put  whether  said  Petition  so  far  as  it 
relates  to  demolishing  the  Shops  or  Buildings  be  dismissed,  and  it 
passed  in  the  Affirmative  ;  And  then  it  was  mov'd  &  seconded  that 
a  Question  be  put,  whether  a  Committee  shall  be  chose  to  enquire 
into  the  Rights  of  the  Town  to  the  Dock,  and  the  Right  of  the 
Abutters  thereon,  and  whether  it  is  expedient  to  fill  up  any  part 
of  the  Dock,  and  how  much  thereof,  and  the  Question  being  accord- 
ingly put  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  &  thereupon  It  was  Voted 
that  Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  Mr.  Benja.  Kent,  Cap'.  Isaac  White  & 
Mr.  William  Fairfield  and  Jeremiah  Greene  Esqrs.  be  a  Committee 
for  those  Purposes,  they  are  desired  to  Report  thereon  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

The  Petition  of  John  Hill  Esqr.  setting  forth  that  he  hired  of  the 
Town  the  East  side  of  the  Neck  by  a  Lease  commencing  the  first 
day  of  March  AD  1749  and  for  the  Term  of  Thirty  one  Years  upon 
certain  Conditions  on  his  part  as  set  forth  in  said  Lease,  all  of 
which  he  has  hitherto  faithfully  complyed  with. 

And  upon  the  Petitioners  first  undertaking  this  Affair  he  com- 
puted the  Cost  and  then  apprehended  it  would  amount  to  about 
two  hundred  Pounds  L.  M.  in  which  he  had  the  concurring  Opinion 
of  his  Friends  and  many  other  Gentlemen  of  undoubted  good  judg- 
ment in  those  Affairs.  — however  after  he  had  engaged  in  Building 
the  Dam  he  was  soon  convinced  that  the  expence  would  arise  to  a 
much  higher  Sum,  but  was  then  obliged  to  go  on  or  lose  what  he 
had  by  that  time  laid  out  upon  it. 

The  Petitioner  look'd  upon  himself  bound  in  honour  to  the 
faithful  performance  of  this  weighty  Contract  however  expensive 
it  might  prove  &  therefore  spared  no  necessary  Cost  in  Building 
the  Dam  so  as  that  it  might  not  only  serve  to  his  own  Advantage 
during  the  Lease,  but  also  to  the  Town  forever  after,  this  he  did 
with  the  more  chearfullness  as  he  would  not  possibly  allow  himself 
to  [39  !-§■.]  Think  they  would  suffer  him  to  be  greatly  hurt  much 
less  Ruin'cl  by  an  undertaking  in  which  he  was  sincerely  consious 
of  his  having  at  heart  not  barly  his  own  private  benefit  but  theirs 
too.  The  Dam  is  now  com  pleat  and  the  Petitioner  presumes  is  as 
well  finished  as  is  possible,  it  has  stood  the  Shocks  of  two  Winters, 
the  last  perhaps  as  Stormy  as  any  one  can  remember  and  yet  remain 
undisturbed  —  the  Expence  is  very  near  £650  lawful  money  which 
being  so  much  more  than  the  Original  Calculation  has  drawn  away 
that  Stock  which  the  Petitioner  should  have  reserved  for  his  Capital 
Buisness  &  compleated  his  Misfortunes. 

The  Petitioner  has  further  to  say,  that  in  Building  this  Dam  he 
has  taken  in  double  the  Quantities  of  Land  he  was  by  Contract 
obliged  to  which  any  one  will  easily  perceive  will  hereafter  be  of 
Advantage  to  the  Town  in  proportion  to  his  extraordinary  Expence 
&  Trouble. 

And  upon  the  whole  it  is  the  prayer  of  the  Petitioner  that  the 
Town  would  candidly  consider  his  unfortunate  Circumstances  and 
as  he  is  now  out  of  all  Capacity  of  fullfilling  the  remaining  Condi- 
tions of  his  Bargain,  that  they  would  release  him  &  allow  him  such 
a  Sum  for  his  Expence  as  shall  be  thought  adequate  to  it. 


Boston  Town  Kecords,   1757.  307 

The  Petitioner  has  it  not  in  his  power  now  to  serve  the  Town  as 
he  has  for  a  course  of  Years  heretofore  chearfully  done  yet  for 
their  best  prosperity  he  ever  prays,  was  Read  &  thereupon  It  was 
Voted  that  Thomas  Flucker  Esqr.  Mr.  Royal  Tyler  and  Doctor 
William  Clark  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to 
consider  of  said  Petition  and  Report  what  is  best  for  the  Town  to 
do  thereon. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz*,  whether  the  Assessors  may  be 
allowed  to  sit  to  make  Abatement  of  Taxes  at  any  other  time  than 
they  were  impowred  to  do  by  the  Vote  passed  in  March  last,  was 
taken  into  Consideration  &  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  the  Asses- 
sors do  not  sit  to  make  Abatement  of  Taxes  at  any  other  time  than 
that  mentioned  in  the  Vote  passed  in  March  last. 

[392 .]  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Thousand  Pounds  Lawful 
money  be  raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates  within  this  Town 
for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges 
arising  within  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  be 
allowed  &  paid  unto  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  North  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  or  One  hundred  &  twenty  Pounds  be  allowed 
&  paid  unto  Mr»  John  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  South 
Grammar  School  the  ensuing  Year  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quar- 
terly, &  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  Mr.  Abia  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  the  Common  the  Year  ensuing  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
&  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  Mr.  Zacha.  Hicks  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  North  Writ- 
ing School,  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  and  to  commence  at  the  Ex- 
piration of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  unto 
Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke  for  his  Salary  as  one  of  the  Masters  of  the 
Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him 
quarterly  &  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  unto 
Mr.  John  Procter  for  his  Salary  as  one  of  the  Masters  of  the  Writ- 
ing School  in  Queen  Street  the  ensuing  Year,  to  be  paid  quarterly, 
&  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  un«to 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Gardner  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  South  Gram- 
mar School,  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  Quarterly  &  to  commence 
at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter, 

[392|.]  Voted  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  Mr.  John  Vinal  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  Writing 
School  in  the  Common  for  the  ensuing  Year  to  be  paid  him  Quar- 
terly &  to  commence  the  first  day  of  June  next. 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 


308  City  Document  No.   170. 

unto  Mr.  David  Jeffries  for  his  Services  as  Treasurer  of  the  Town 
the  }7ear  past,  &  for  all  his  Expeuces  in  that  Office. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  of  March  last  to  accomodate 
in  such  a  manner  as  the}*  should  judge  best,  the  Action  now  de- 
pending in  the  Law  between  the  Assessors  &  the  Honble.  Andrew 
Oliver  Esqr.  and  others  which  the  Town  formerly  Voted  to  Defend 
at  their  Cost,  now  reported  that  they  had  attended  that  Service 
and  have  met  the  Assessors  and  plaintiffs  aforesaid,  and  on  the 
whole  have  agreed  with  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  &  others  that  at  the 
sitting  of  the  next  Superiour  Court  the  Order  of  the  General  Court 
made  respecting  the  Action  betwreen  the  said  Andrew  Oliver  and 
others  &  William  Fairfield  &  others  shall  be  complied  with  & 
the  said  Andrew  Oliver  &  others  are  then  to  become  Nonsuit 
and  are  to  be  refunded  the  Sum  taken  from  them  by  distress  being 
Two  Pounds  five  shillings  for  which  this  Action  was  brought  and 
each  Party  bear  their  own  Costs  ;  And  we  further  Report  that  we 
are  of  Opinion  that  to  prevent  any  dispute  of  the  like  kind  with 
the  said  Oliver  and  others  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  one  Pounds 
seventeen  shillings  and  eleven  pence  being  the  amount  of  what 
they  were  Rated  for  on  Account  of  William  Thompson  Esqr.  for 
the  Years  1746,  1747,  1748,  1749,  1750,  1751,  1752,  be  refunded 
to  said  Oliver  and  others  ;  which  was  Read  &  Accepted  and  Voted 
that  the  said  Andrew  Oliver  Esqr.  be  refunded  &  paid  the  several 
Sums  mentioned  in  said  Report  accordingly. 

Voted  that  Andrew  Oliver  junr.  Esqr.  be  &  hereby  is  Added  to 
the  Committee  appointed  the  14  :  of  March  last  to  apply  to  the 
General  Court  to  enable  the  Town  to  raise  by  a  Tax  such  a  Sum 
as  will  be  necessary  to  makeup  the  Defficiencies  of  the  Years  1755 
and  1756  and  for  other  Relief  &  Ca. 

[393.]  The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  the  11th.  of 
May  last  to  Visit  the  Schools  now  made  the  following  Report 
Viz4. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  10th.  1757. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Meeting  the 
11th.  of  May  last  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the  Public 
Schools,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  therein 
as  they  should  think  proper,  do  now  Report. 

That  on  the  25th  day  of  June  last,  We  attended  that  Service, 
accompanied  bj?  the  following  Gentlemen. 
The  Honble.  John  Osborne  Esqr. 
Richard  Bill  Esqr. 
Stephen  Sewall  Esqr. 
Joseph  Pyncheon  Esqr.  & 
John  Erving  Esq1'. 
The  Gentu.  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
The  Gentlemen  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 
The  Revd.  Dr.  Sewall 

Dr.  Chauncey 
Mr.  Pemberton 
Mr.  Mather 
Mr.  Eliot 


>  Esqr 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  309 

Mr.  Checkley 

Mr.  Treasurer  Gray 

Joshua  Wiuslow 

Dan1.  Henchman 

John  Steele 

Thos.  Hancock 

James  Bowdoin  & 

Tbos.  Greene 

Mr.  John  Rowe 

Mr.  John  Spooner 

Mr.  Willm.  Cooper  & 

Mr.  Treasr.  Jeffries. 
And  found  in  the  South  Grammar  School  there  was  128  Scholars, 
in  the  South  Writing  School  224  Scholars,  in  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  180  Scholars,  in  the  North  Grammar 
School  32  Scholars,  &  in  the  North  Writing  School  225  Scholars, 
all  in  very  good  Order. 

Read  &  Accepted,  &  Voted  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be 
and  they  hereby  are  desired  to  Visit  the  Schools  this  present  Year, 
&  invite  such  Gentn.  to  accompany  them  as  they  shall  think 
proper. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  he  &  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Wednes- 
the  22d.  of  June  next  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[393£.]  Wednesday  June  22d.  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon, 
the  Inhabitants  met  according  to  their  Adjournment,  and  upon  a 
Motion  made  and  Seconded ;  It  was  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be 
and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  first  day  of  August  next, 
at  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Monday  the  first  day  of  August  three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon 
the  Inhabitants  met  according  to  their  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  tenth  of  May  last,  on  the  Memo- 
rial of  sundry  Freeholders  &  Inhabitants  for  filling  up  the  Town 
Dock  &ca.  Reported  that  they  had  Examined  the  Town's  Right  in 
the  Dock  aforesaid,  and  also  of  the  Abutters  thereon ;  and  find 
that  the  Town  has  a  good  Right  in  &  unto  the  said  Dock,  and 
that  the  Abutters  thereon,  have  a  Right  to  Dockage  Wharffage 
and  Moorage  there  ;  so  that  the  Town  has  no  Right  to  fill  up  said 
Dock,  and  if  the  Town  have  that  Right,  they  are  of  Opinion  that 
it  will  not  be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  fill  up  said  Dock, 
either  in  the  whole  or  in  any  part ;  which  Report  being  Read,  It 
was  Voted  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Accepted. 

Whereas  the  Town  at  their  Meeting  the  eleventh  of  May  1756 
Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Employ  some  Persons 
learned  in  the  Law,  to  Revise  and  alter  all  the  By  Laws  of  the 
Town  then  in  force,  in  such  manner  as  they  should  judge  most 
Beneficial  to  the  Town  &ca.  The  Selectmen  now  Reported  that  Pur- 
suant to  said  Vote  they  had  Employed  Benja.  Prat  Esqr.  and  Mr. 
Oxenbridge  Thacher,  two  Gentlemen  learned  in  the  Law  on  that 
Service,  and  that  they  had  accordingly  gone  through  the  Revisal  of 
all  the  By  Laws  and  Orders  of  the  Town,  and  made  sundry  Altera- 
tions and  Additions  to  them,  all  which  the  Selectmen,  were  now 
ready  to  present   to  the  Town ;  Whereupon  said   By  Laws   and 


310  City  Document  No.  170. 

Orders  as  Revised  &  Altered  were  distinctly  and  seperately  Read, 
and  some  further  Alterations  being  made  by  the  Town  :  The  Free- 
holders and  Inhabitants  after  mature  Consideration  thereof,  Voted 
that  said  By  Laws  and  Orders  be  and  hereby  are  Accepted  & 
[394.]  Passed  as  the  By-Laws  and  Orders  of  the  Town  for  the 
future  Regulation  and  Government  thereof. 

The  By-Laws  &  Orders  as  now  passed  &  Voted,  being  as  fol- 
lows. Viz'. 

Chapter  the  First. 
For  preventing  Danger  by  Fire,  in  the  Toivn  of  Boston. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being, 
upon  Complaint  to  them  made  or  otherwise  upon  their  own  knowl- 
edge, of  any  defective  Chimnies  in  this  Town,  shall  from  time  to 
time  take  effectual  Care  to  have  the  same  Viewed  and  Surveyed* by 
proper  Persons,  by  them  for  that  purpose  to  be  appointed,  and  if 
upon  the  view  &  surve}",  said  Chimnies  shall  be  found  so  defective, 
as  in  their  Judgment  to  be  dangerous  to  be  used  on  Account  of 
Fire  ;  the  Selectmen  shall  make  a  Record  thereof,  and  of  the  par- 
ticulars of  the  Defect  or  Defects,  and  give  to  the  Occupier  of  the 
House  or  Tenement  to  which  the  Defective  Chimney  belongs  a 
Copy  of  said  Entiy,  with  Warning  not  to  make  any  Fire  in  such 
Chimney,  'till  said  Defect  or  Defects  are  curved  either  by  Amend- 
ing repairing  or  rebuilding  said  Chimney,  thereupon  if  the  Occu- 
pant of  such  Tenement  shall  suffer  a  Fire  to  be  made  and  kept  in 
said  Chimney,  before  said  Chimney  be  cured  of  such  Defect  or 
Defects,  such  Occupant  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  five  shil- 
lings for  every  day  in  which  a  Fire  shall  be  so  made  and  kept. 

And  if  the  Occupant  of  any  House  or  Tenement  shall  neglect  or 
refuse  for  the  space  of  twenty  four  hours  after  Request,  to  suffer 
such  persons  appointed  as  aforesaid,  to  view  &  survey  any  Chim- 
ney suspected  of  being  defective  as  aforesaid,  such  Occupant  shall 
forfeit  &  pay  for  such  Offence  the  Sum  of  fifteen  shillings,  and  so 
from  time  to  time  the  same  Sum  for  every  such  Offence  as  often  as 
the  same  shall,  be  Committed. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  for 
the  time  being  be  hereby  directed  &  impowred  from  time  to  time 
to  appoint  one  or  more  suitable  Persons  to  be  Sweepers  of  Chim- 
nies within  this  Town  whose  Wages  for  their  Work  and  Service 
shall  not  exceed  the  Rates  hereafter  mentioned.  Viz4. 

[394^.]  For  each  Chimney  of  five  Stories  high  one  shilling 
&  four  pence. 

For  each  Chimney  of  four  Stories  high  one  shilling  &  two 
pence. 

For  each  Chimney  of  three  Stories  high  one  shilling. 

And  other  Common  Chimnies  eight  pence. 

And  all  Kitchen  Chimnies  that  are  above  the  Tops  of  the  House 
they  belong  to  in  proportion  to  the  heighth  of  the  House  at  the 
Rate  above. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  if  any  Person  who  is  not  so  ap- 
pointed as  aforesaid,  shall  presume  either  by  himself  or  Servant, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  311 

to  undertake  the  Sweeping  of  any  Chimney  in  this  Town,  except 
such  Chimney  or  Cbimnies  as  as  are  under  his  or  their  own  Im- 
provement, such  Person  shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  Sum  of  ten  shil- 
lings for  every  such  Offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  all  Persons  so  appointed  by  the 
Selectmen  to  be  the  Undertakers  of  Chimney  Sweeping  shall  be 
Obliged  within  fort}7  eight  Hours  (after  Notice  given,  either  by 
themselves,  or  some  other  proper  Person)  duly  to  attend  the 
Sweeping  of  such  Chimney  on  Penalty  of  forfeiting  ten  shillings 
for  every  such  Neglect. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  upon  Complaint  made  to  any  of 
the  Selectmen,  either  by  the  Chimney  Sweepers,  or  by  any  other 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  against  any  Person  or  Persons 
neglecting  to  have  their  Chimnies  Swept  being  foul,  that  in  every 
such  Case,  the  Selectmen,  or  any  two  of  them,  are  hereby  Im- 
powred  to  inspect  and  view  such  Chimney  Complain'cl  of  as  afore- 
said ;  And  if  the_y  judge  the  said  Chimnies  or  any  of  them  unsafe 
to  make  or  keep  Fire  therein,  by  reason  of  their  being  foul  and 
want  of  Sweeping,  and  signify  the  same  to  the  Person  or  Persons, 
then  in  possession  of  the  Tenement  to  which  such  Chimney  doth 
belong,  that  then  and  every  such  Case  the  Occupier  of  every  such 
House  or  Tenement  shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  Sum  of  five  shillings 
for  every  da37  in  which  Fire  shall  be  kept  in  such  Chimney  untill  the 
same  shall  be  sufficiently  Swept ;  and  if  the  Occupant  of  any  House 
or  Tenement  shall  neglect  or  refuse  for  the  space  of  twenty  four 
Hours  after  Request  to  suffer  the  Selectmen  aforesaid  to  view  and 
survey  any  Chimnies  suspected  of  being  foul  as  aforesaid ;  such 
Occupant  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for  such  Offence  the  Sum  of  fifteen 
[395.]  Shillings,  and  so  from  time  to  time,  the  same  Sum  for 
every  such  Offence,  as  often  as  the  same  shall  be  Committed. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  if  any  Chimney  shall  take  Fire 
and  blaze  out  at  the  Top,  through  foulness,  or  for  want  of  Sweep- 
ing, the  Occupier  of  the  Tenement  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum 
of  twenty  shillings ;  unless  it  shall  happen  within  forty  two  clays 
after  said  Chimney  shall  have  been  swept,  &  then,  and  in  such 
Case,  the  Person  who  last  Swept  the  same,  or  in  case  of  his  being 
a  Servant  or  a  Slave,  his  Master  or  Owner  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the 
aforesaid  twenty  shillings. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Persons  shall  presume  here- 
after, to  carry  Fire  in  this  Town  abroad,  or  in  and  through  the 
open  Air,  from  any  House  or  Place,  to  any  other  House  or  Place, 
but  in  a  Warming  Pan  or  other  safe  Vessel!  well  Covered,  so  as  to 
secure  the  Fire  from  the  Wind,  and  from  being  Scattered  by  the 
Way,  or  in  the  Streets  and  Lanes,  or  on  the  Buildings,  on  the 
Penalty  &  forfeiture  of  two  shillings. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  kindle  or  make,  or 
be  aiding  and  assisting  in  making  or  kindling,  in  the  Open  Air 
within  two  Rods  of  any  House  Warehouse  Wood-Pile  or  any  other 
Combustible  Matter,  subject  to  take  Fire  (except  in  Shipwrights 
Building  Yards,  Coopers  and  Ropemakers  Works,  a  careful  Person 
standing  by  to  watch  the  same)  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of 
twelve  shillings. 


312  City  Document  No.  170. 

Provided  the  Order  last  aforesaid  shall  not  be  understood  to  de- 
bar an}-  Tradesman  or  others  from  kindling  Charcoal  in  a  Pot  or 
Pan  out  of  Doors  near  his  House  or  Shop  at  any  time  during  the 
day  light,  in  Case  some  careful  Person  shall  stand  by  the  same  to 
watch  it,  as  long  as  it  shall  continue  in  the  open  Street,  but  not 
otherwise. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Coopers  within  this  Town  shall 
fire  or  burn  their  Casks  in  any  shop  AVarehouse  or  other  Place,  than 
in  a  sufficient  Brick  or  Stone  Chimney  made  convenient  for  th&t 
use  on  Penalty  of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings  for  every 
Offence  contrary  to  this  Order. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  henceforth  make 
and  fire  any  Lime  Kiln,  or  erect  or  burn  any  [395-g-.]  Brick  Kiln, 
but  in  such  Place  and  Places  as  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being 
shall  approve  and  allow  of,  on  Penalty  of  twenty  shillings  to  be 
paid  by  every  Person  transgressing  this  Order. 

Chapter  the  Second. 

Concerning  the  Streets  and  Lanes  Nusances  therein,  and  the  Dirt 

thereof. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Person  henceforth  shall  break 
or  digg  up  the  Ground  in  any  of  the  Streets  and  Lanes  of  this 
Town  on  an}^  occasion,  without  the  leave  &  approbatoin  of  two  at 
least  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being,  and  whoever  shall  offend 
herein,  shall  forfeit  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings,  and  whoever  shall 
obtain  such  leave  shall  cause  the  Holes  in  the  Ground,  to  be  every 
Night  carefully  covered,  so  as  no  Person  walking  the  Streets  may 
be  in  danger  of  falling  in,  and  shall  also  within  such  time  as  the 
said  Selectmen  shall  appoint  cause  the  whole  to  be  repaired  and 
amended,  on  Penalty  of  either  of  those  two  last  mentioned  Offences 
of  the  like  Sum  of  twenty  shillings,  these  several  Penalties  to  be 
forfeited  by  the  Person  by  whose  direction  the  Ground  is  so  broke 
up. 

And  it  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  whosoever  shall  carry 
any  Dirt,  Dung,  Garbidge,  Dead  Carcass,  Carrion,  Shavings,  Soil 
or  Rubbish  from  their  Houses  Shops  or  Yards  to  lay  the  same  in 
the  Streets  or  Lanes  of  this  Town  on  Penalty  of  four  shillings  for 
every  dead  Carcass  or  Carrion  so  laid,  and  three  shillings  for  any 
other  Dirt  or  Annoyance  that  shall  lye  above  the  space  of  six 
Hours. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  when  any  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  Town  shall  be  Building  or  Repairing  their  Houses  or  digging 
Cellars  Wells  or  Vaults,  they  shall  carefully  lay  their  Timber  and 
other  Materials,  so  as  they  shall  be  no  Obstruction  to  Carts  and 
other  Conveyances  passing  by  &  shall  remove  all  the  Rubbish  and 
Dirt  brought  out :  And  no  Timber  so  brought,  or  Dirt  or  Rubbish 
so  carried  out,  shall  in  any  Case  remain  above  the  Space  of  twenty 
four  Hours,  in  any  part  of  the  Street,  without  leave'  from  two 
Selectmen  at  the  least  nor  longer  [396.]  Without  the  leave  of  the 
Major  part  of  the  Selectmen  :  Ano!  the  Person  Building  or  Repair- 


Boston   Town  Kecords,  1757.  313 

ing  or  Digging  shall  be  deemed  the  Offender  in  any  of  these  Par- 
ticulars, and  shall  for  each  Offence  forfeit  the  Sum  often  shillings. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  henceforth  no  Cart  Dray  Trucks 
or  Sled,  drawn  by  either  Horse  or  Horses,  Horse  &  Oxen,  shall  be 
suffered  to  pass  through  any  of  the  Streets  or  Lanes  of  this  Town, 
but  with  a  sufficient  Driver,  who  shall  during  such  Passage,  keep 
with  his  said  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled,  and  carefulby  observe  and 
attend  such  Methods,  as  may  best  serve  to  keep  said  Horse  or 
Horses  or  Oxen  under  Command,  and  shall  have  the  Thill  Horse  by 
the  head ;  and  whatsoever  Carter  or  others,  undertaking  to  drive 
any  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled  shall  during  such  passing  through 
the  Streets  and  Lanes  as  aforesaid,  either  Ride  in  said  Cart  Dray 
Trucks  or  Sled,  or  otherwise  neglect  to  observe  and  attend  the 
Rules  prescribed  in  this  Order ;  such  Carter  Driver  or  Owner  of 
such  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of 
eight  shillings  for  every  such  offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Slay  shall  be  drove  in  the 
Streets  of  this  Town  without  Bells  fastned  to  the  Horses  that 
draw  the  same,  and  whoever  shall  offend  herein  shall  forfeit  the 
sum  of  ten  shillings  for  every  Offence. 

Great  Dangers  arising  oftentimes  from  Coaches  Slays  Chairs 
and  other  Carriages  on  the  Lord's  days,  as  the  People  are  going 
to,  or  coming  from  the  several  Churches  in  this  Town,  being 
driven  with  great  Rapidity,  and  the  Publick  "Worship  being  often- 
times much  disturbed  by  such  Carriages  driving  by  the  sides  of  the 
Churches  with  great  force  in  time  thereof 

It  is  therefore  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Coach  Slay  Chair 
Chaise  or  other  Carriage  shall  at  such  times,  be  driven  at  a  greater 
Rate  than  a  foot  Pace,  on  Penalty  to  the  Master  of  the  Slave  or 
Servant  so  driving  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  whatsoever  shall 
hereafter  erect  or  set  up  any  House  of  Office  or  Easement,  within 
this  Town  (or  suffer  the  same  to  continue  being  already  standing 
or  set  up)  within  forty  foot  of  any  Street  Lane  or  Highway,  or  the 
Dwelling  House  Shop  or  Well  of  any  Neighbour  unless  the  same  be 
vaulted  six  feet  deep,  and  sufficiently  enclosed,  or  otherwise 
[396^.]  Secured  on  Pain  of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  twent}T 
shillings  for  every  transgression  of  this  Order,  and  the  like  Sum 
of  twenty  shillings  for  every  three  Months  it  shall  to  continue  ;  nor 
shall  any  Person  keep  an}-  Hogg  or  Swine  in  any  Hoggsty  within 
twenty  foot  of  any  Highway  Street  or  Lane  or  Alley,  or  the  Dwelling 
House  or  Shop  of  any  Neighbour,  on  Penalty  of  ten  shillings  for 
every  Month  such  Hogg  or  Swine  shall  be  kept  and  continued  in 
such  Sty,  unless  in  such  Places  where  the  Dung  or  Filth  runs  into 
the  Sea  or  Saltwater. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  at  any  time  here- 
after use  the  exercise  of  playing  or  kicking  of  Foot-Ball  within 
any  of  the  Streets  or  Lanes  within  the  Body  of  this  Town 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  four  shillings  for  every 
such  Offence ;  nor  shall  any  Person  throw  or  heave  any  Snow- 
Balls  or  Stones  or  any  other  thing  at  any  Person  in  the  Streets 
Lanes  ov  Alleys  of  this  Town  or  into  or  against  any  House  or  Shop, 


314  City  Document  No.  170. 

on  Pain  of  forfeiting  not  more  than  five  shillings,  nor  less  than  two 
shillings  for  each  Offence,  at  the  Discretion  of  the  Justice  before 
whom  the  Conviction  shall  be. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  that  no  Person  whatsoever  shall  at 
any  time  hereafter  Ride,  or  drive  a  Gallop,  or  other  swift  Pace, 
within  any  of  the  Streets  Lanes  or  Alleys  of  this  Town  on  Penalty 
of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  five  shillings  for  every  such  Offence,  and 
it  shall  be  lawful  for  any  Inhabitant  of  this  Town  to  stop  such 
Horse  until  the  Name  of  the  Offender  be  known. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  drive  through  any 
of  the  Streets  or  Lanes  of  this  Town  any  Trucks  whose  sides 
exceed  the  length  of  sixteen  feet,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  a  fine  often 
shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  every  Driver  who  in  his  Cart  or 
Trucks  shall  carry  more  than  one  Ton  weight  at  a  Load,  through 
any  of  the  aforesaid  Streets  or  Lanes  shall  pay  a  Fine  of  five 
shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Tire  of  Wheels  of  all  Carts 
and  Trucks,  that  shall  be  drawn  by  more  than  one  Horse  shall  be 
full  four  inches  in  breadth,  &  the  Nails  of  the  Tire  to  be  flatt  on 
Pain  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings  for  every  time 
the  said  Cart  or  Trucks  shall  be  improved  in  this  Town,  [397.] 
To  be  paid  by  the  Owner  of  the  said  Cart  or  Trucks,  who  shall  bo 
deemed  the  Offender  in  any  of  the  cases  aforesaid. 

For  the  more  effectual  keeping  Clean  the  Streets  for  the  time  to 
come. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  to  come 
do  Farm  the  Dirt  in  the  Streets,  divided  into  several  Wards,  Lo  the 
highest  bidder,  for  a  term  not  exceeding  two  Years,  such  Farmer 
to  pay  such  Sum  as  shall  be  agreed  on  between  him  and  the  Se- 
lectmen, said  Farmer  to  enjoy  the  Privileges,  and  be  subject  to 
the  Duties  and  Penalties  respecting  the  same  Dirt  herein  after- 
mentioned. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  that  in  Places  where  the  Dirt  shall  be 
Farmed,  no  other  Person  than  the  Farmer  or  his  Servants  shall 
carry  off  the  Dirt  or  Mud  from  such  Streets,  unless  as  hereafter 
provided,  on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings  to  the  respective 
Farmers  to  be  paid  by  every  Person  offending. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Abutters  shall  be  obliged  on 
Notice  from  the  Scavengers  to  rake  up  the  Dirt  before  their  Doors, 
and  to  the  middle  of  Street  within  four  hours  after  Notice  on 
Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  four  shillings  for  every  Breach  of  this 
Order. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Farmer  shall  be  Obliged  to 
carry  such  Dirt  out  of  the  Street  within  twenty  fours  Hours  after 
it  is  so  raked  up,  in  default  thereof  he  shall  forfeit  the  Sum  of  ten 
shillings  to  the  Abutter  whose  Dirt  is  not  carried  away,  and  the 
Abutter  may  on  such  Default,  cause  the  same  Dirt  to  be  carried 
away,  by  any  other  Cart,  at  the  Expence  of  the  Farmer. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  in  such  parts  of  the  Streets  where 
there  is  no  Abutter,  the  Farmer  shall  at  his  own  Expence,  cause 
the  Dirt  to  be  raked  up  and  carried  away,  under  the  like  Penalty 


Boston    town  Records,   1757.  315 

as  is  before  provided  for  not  carrying  away  the  Dirt,  raked  up  by 
the  Abutters. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  in  Case  no  Person  shall  appear  to 
Farm  the  Dirt  as  aforesaid,  then  the  Scavingers  shall  order  as  often 
as  they  shall  think  requisite,  the  Abutters  on  the  Streets  to  rake 
up  the  Dirt  before  their  Doors  to  the  middle  of  the  Streets,  and 
may  Sell  the  said  Dirt  so  Raked  up,  to  such  Person  as  they  shall 
think  proper,  and  pny  the  Sum  they  [397 J.]  Shall  receive  therefor 
to  the  Town  Treasurer  for  the  use  of  the  Town ;  in  case  they  can't 
otherwise  procure  the  Dirt  to  be  carried  away  they  shall  hire  Carts 
at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  to  carry  the  same  away. 


Chapter  the  Third. 

To  prevent  Mischief  and  Danger  from  Indian  Negro  and  Molatto 
Slaves  and  Servants. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Indian  Negro  or  Molatto  Servant 
or  Slave  shall  stroll  unnecessarily  abroad  or  be  loitering  and  idling 
in  any  of  the  Streets  or  Lanes,  or  in  the  Common  during  the  time 
of  divine  Service  on  the  Lord's  day  :  or  after  nine  o' Clock  at  Night 
on  any  day  of  the  Week,  upon  the  Penalty  of  five  shillings  for  each 
Offence  to  be  paid  either  by  such  Indian  Negro  or  Molatto,  or  else 
by  his  or  her  Master,  at  the  Discretion  of  the  Justice  before  whom 
the  Conviction  shall  be. 


Chapter  the  Fourth. 
To  prevent  Nusances  on  the  Common  and  to  Regulate  the  same. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  lay  any  dead  Car- 
cass, Carrion,  Ordure,  Filth,  or  Rubbish  of  an}?  kind,  on  any  part  of 
the  Common,  or  elsewhere  in  this  Town,  not  being  on  such  Persons 
own  Land,  except  in  such  Places  only  as  shall  be  by  the  Selectmen 
for  the  time  being  allowed  for  that  purpose,  on  the  Penalty  of  not 
less  than  ten  shillings,  nor  more  than  twenty  shillings,  at  the  Dis- 
cretion of  the  Justice  before  whom  such  Conviction  shall  be. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  digg  any  Turf, 
Gravel,  Sand,  or  Loam,  on  the  Common  or  other  Town's  Land  unless 
in  such  Places,  and  under  such  Limitations  and  Restrictions  as  the 
Selectmen  for  the  time  being  shall  appoint  and  order,  under  the 
Penalty  for  each  Offeuce  of  not  more  than  twenty  shillings,  nor  less 
than  ten  shillings  at  the  Discretion  of  the  Justice  before  whom 
such  Conviction  shall  be. 

[398.]  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  cut  break 
down,  girdle,  kill  or  destroy  any  Tree,  that  is  or  shall  be  set  out  or 
growing  on  the  Common,  or  any  Land  belonging  to  this  Town,  on 
the  Penalty  of  twenty  shillings  for  each  Tree  so  cut  broke  girdled 
kill'd  or  destroyed. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  presume  to  throw, 
rowl  or  fling  the  Bullet  or  any  such  like  Instrument,  whether  made 
of  Lead  Iron  Brass  Stone  Wood  or  any  other  matter  or  substance 


316  City  Document  No.   170 

that  may  endanger  the  Lives  or  Limbs  of  any  of  His  Majesty's 
Subjects  in  the  Common,  Training  Field  Highways  Lanes  Streets 
or  Alleys  in  the  Town,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  a  Sum  not  less  than 
five  shillings,  or  more  than  twenty  shillings  at  the  discretion  of  the 
Justice  before  whom  the  Conviction  shall  be. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  keep  any  Cow  or 
Cows  going  at  large  shall  pay  into  the  hands  of  such  Person  or 
Persons,  as  the  Selectmen  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint  to  receive 
the  same,  the  Sum  of  two  shillings  per  Annum  for  each  Cow,  to  be 
employed  as  follows  viz',  one  shilling  &  two  pence  thereof  towards 
providing  three  Bulls  to  go  at  large  on  the  Common  from  the  first 
day  of  April,  to  the  first  day  of  November  following  yearly,  and 
every  year ;  and  two  Bulls  to  go  on  the  Common  (or  as  the  Select- 
men shall  Order)  from  the  first  of  November  to  the  first  of  April 
following  yearly,  and  every  year ;  seven  pence  more  thereof  for 
paying  the  Cow  Keeper,  and  the  remaining  three  pence  for  paying 
the  Person,  that  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Selectmen,  to  give  forth 
Certificates  to  the  Owner  of  each  Cow,  shewing  that  they  have  paid 
the  said  two  shillings  per  head,  for  each  Cow,  and  any  Cow  that 
shall  be  found  going  on  the  Common  as  aforesaid,  whose  Owner 
shall  not  have  a  Certificate  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  by  the  Cow 
Keeper  (or  other  Person  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  for  that  end) 
Impounded,  and  the  Owner  shall  pay  three  shillings  per  head  to 
the  Impounder  before  the  Cow  or  Cows  be  discharged,  and  the  said 
Cow  or  Cows  shall  not  be  suffered  to  go  on  the  Common  untill  the 
Owner  shall  have  paid  the  said  three  shillings,  and  gained  a  Cer- 
tificate as  aforesaid. 

It  is  also  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Ox  Steer  Horse  Sheep  or 
Goats  shall  be  suffered  to  go  at  large  on  the  Common  or  in  the 
Streets  (except  such  as  are  under  the  Care  of  some  Person  and 
driving  to  Market)  on  Penalty  that  the  [398^.]  Owner  thereof 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  three  shillings  for  every  Ox  Steer 
Horse  Sheep  or  Goat,  that  shall  be  found  going  at  large  as 
aforesaid. 

And  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Cow-Keeper  aforesaid  or  any  other 
Inhabitant  to  Impound  and  detain  such  Ox  Steer  Horse  Sheep  or 
Goat  untill  the  Penalty  aforesaid  be  paid. 

Chapter  the  Fifth. 

Concerning  the  Market  and   Buying  and  Selling  Provision  in  the 
Town  of  Boston. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  Faneuil-Hall  Market  being  open 
shall  be  under  the  following  Regulation. 

1st.  That  a  Clerk  thereof  be  constantly  chosen  Annually  by  the 
Town  in  March ;  whose  Business  and  Duty  shall  be  to  see  that  the 
several  Rules  and  Orders  of  the  Town  be  observed  and  kept. 

2ly.     That  he  shall    suffer  no  unwholsome  or    putrid  Meat,  or 
otherwise  unfit  for  Sale,  to  be  Sold   there  ;  and    if  any  such  be 
Offered  to  Sale,  in  the  said  Market,  he  shall  be  obliged  to  prefer  a. 
Prosecution  against  the  Offender. 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1757.  317 

3ly.  That  the  said  Clerk  shall  not  buy  any  Provision  in  said 
Market  other  than  for  his  own  Family  use  ;  and  on  the  Conviction 
of  the  Breach  of  this  Order,  the  Selectmen  shall  displace  him,  and 
appoint  another  in  his  Room,  which  Person  so  appointed  shall  con- 
tinue in  his  said  Office  untill  the  next  Town  Meeting. 

4thly.  That  every  day  in  the  year  except  Lord's-days  and  days 
set  apart  by  the  Government  for  Religions  Service,  shall  be  a 
Market  day,  the  Market  shall  be  opened  by  the  Ringing  of  the  Bell 
which  shall  be  at  Sunrise,  and  from  the  Ringing  of  the  Bell,  untill 
one  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  and  evei'y  Saturday  Afternoon,  and 
every  other  Afternoon  proceeding  any  day  set  apart  by  the  Govern- 
ment for  Religions  Service  as  aforesaid  untill  Sun-set,  shall  be  es- 
teemed Market  Hours. 

5ly.  That  no  Steelyards  shall  be  allowed  in  said  Market,  nor  any 
other  than  Sealed  Weights. 

6ly.  That  no  Cart  Team  Horse  Wheelbarrow  that  [399.]  May 
incommode  the  Market  shall  be  allowed  to  stand  or  be  near  the 
Entrance  of  the  Market  Place,  but  shall  be  immediately  removed 
upon  the  direction  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market  to  the  Owner  or  Occu- 
pier of  the  same,  under  the  Penalty  of  ten  shillings. 

7ly.  That  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  are  impowred  to  ap- 
portion the  size  Marks,  and  number  of  the  several  Stalls,  and  to 
letthem  out  to  such  Persons,  and  on  such  Terms  as  they  shall  agree. 

8ly.  That  all  Disputes  arising  in  the  Market  between  Buyer 
and  Seller,  concerning  things  bought  and  sold  in  the  Market,  shall 
be  determined  by  the  Clerk. 

9Iy.  That  no  Meat  shall  be  left  in  the  Market  after  it  is  shut  up, 
if  any  be,  it  shall  be  forfeit  to  the  Clerk  of  the  said  Market ;  And 
if  the  Clerk  shall  wittingly  Connive  at  the  Breach  of  this  Order  he 
shall  for  every  such  Connivance  forfeit  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings. 

10ly.  That  no  Person  shall  buy  any  Provision  in  the  said  Market, 
with  Intent  to  sell  the  same  again  at  a  greater  Price  before  one 
o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  nor  Sell  any  Provision  so  bought  at  a 
greater  Price,  on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings. 

llIy.  That  no  Huckster  or  other  Person  shall  in  any  part  of  the 
Town  buy  any  Provision,  bro't  to  the  Town  by  Land  for  Sale,  with 
Intent  to  sell  the  same  again  before  one  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon 
under  the  like  Penalty  last  mentioned. 

Chapter  the  Sixth. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  all  Carts  and  other  Carriages  of 
Hay  as  they  come  into  Town,  shall  be  Weighed  and  a  Tally  with 
the  weight  of  the  ("ait  &  Hay  be  then  fixed  upon  it,  and  that  the 
Cart  or  Carriage  upon  its  Return  be  tared,  and  the  Weight  thereof 
marked  on  it. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  a  suitable  Person  be  from  time  to 
time  appointed  by  the  Selectmen,  as  they  shall  think  fit  to  take 
Care  that  the  Engine  for  weighing  of  Hay  be  kept  in  good  Repair, 
and  to  see  the  weight  of  all  Hay  thus  brought  to  Market,  and  tc 
Tally  the  same,  and  mark  the  Carriages  on  their  Return  as  aforesaid. 
And  that  the  s'1. Person  [399j.]  Shall  be  under  Oath  to  do  Justice 


318  City  Document  No.   170. 

between  Buyer  and  Seller,  &  shall  Attend  from  Sunrising  to  Sun- 
setting,  aud  shall  make  an  Entry  in  a  Book  to  be  by  him  kept  for 
that  purpose  of  all  the  Hay  he  weighs. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  there  be  allowed  to  the  Person  for 
every  Load  of  Hay  so  weighed  eight  fifteenths  of  a  penny  for  each 
hundred  of  Hay  to  be  paid  by  the  Person  who  buys  the  same,  or  in 
case  of  his  Absence  at  the  time  of  weighing  then  to  be  paid  by  the 
Importer,  who  shall  be  Reimbursed  by  the  Buyer. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  if  any  Person  Inhabitant  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  aforesaid,  shall  buy  any  Hay  thus  brought  to 
Market,  without  the  same  be  first  weighed  as  above,  he  or  they 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings  for  every  Load 
or  Parcel  so  bought. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  shall 
from  time  to  time  appoint  one  or  more  Common  Cryers.  And  no 
Person  except  so  appointed  shall  presume  to  Act  as  Cryer  for  others 
on  the  Penalty  of  five  shillngs  for  each  Offence,  and  every  Person 
appointed  Cryer  shall  keep  a  true  and  perfect  List  of  all  things  by 
him  Cried  and  the  Names  of  the  Persons  who  ordered  him  to  cry 
the  same,  and  give  in  a  true  Copy  thereof  to  the  Town  Clerk  once 
a  Month,  on  the  Penalty  of  ten  shillings  for  each  Offence.  And  the 
Selectmen  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint  the  Fees  of  the  said  Cryer, 
which  he  shall  not  exceed  on  Penalty  of  five  shillings  for  each 
Offence. 

Great  Complaint  being  made  of  many  Persons  Washing  them- 
selves in  Publick  &  frequented  Places  to  the  Great  Reproach  of 
Modesty  and  good  Manners. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Person  whosoever  above  the  Age 
of  twelve  Years,  shall  in  less  than  an  Hour  after  Sun-set  undress 
themselves  and  go  into  Water  within  ten  Rods  of  any  Dwelling 
House  in  this  Town,  at  that  time  Inhabited,  nor  shall  any  Person 
being  in  the  Water,  swim  to  such  parts  of  the  Town,  as  to  be  plainly 
within  Sight  of  any  Dwelling  House,  Inhabited  as  aforesaid,  on  pain 
of  [400»]  Forfeiting  for  each  of  these  Offences  the  Sum  of  ten 
shillings,  and  for  a  second  Offence  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  every  Householder  or  others,  who 
are  commonly  known  to  make  use  of  any  of  the  Pumps  Wells  or 
Cisterns  standing  or  being  in  any  Ground  Streets  or  Highways  be- 
longing to  this  Town,  for  their  supply  of  Water  for  their  ordinary 
Occasions,  every  such  Person  shall  allow  and  pay  unto  such  of  the 
Neighbourhood,  whom  the  Selectmen  shall  appoint  to  receive  the 
same  such  proportionable  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money  as  the  Selectmen 
for  the  time  being  shall  assess  him  or  her  to  pay,  for  keeping  such 
Well  Cistern  or  Pump  in  Repair,  and  to  be  Employed  to  the  said 
Use ;  on  Pain,  that  every  Person  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  the 
payment  thereof  for  the  space  of  six  Days  after  the  same  is  de- 
manded, shall  forfeit  and  pay  double  the  Value  of  said  Sum,  to  the 
use  of  the  Poor  of  this  Town. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  all  Penalties  and  Forfeitures  aris- 
ing by  the  beforegoing  By  Laws,  not  otherwise  expressly  dis- 
posed of  shall  be  as  the  the  Law  directs  to  the  use  of  the  Poor  of 
the  Town  ;  and  whoever  shall  prosecute  to  Effect  any  of  the  Breaches 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1757.  319 

thereof,  shall  be  intitledto  receive  one  half  as  much  as  shall  be  re- 
covered for  the  use  of  the  Poor,  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  Town 
to  his  own  Use. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  where  any  Negro  Indian  or  Mollatto 
Slave,  shall  be  the  Offender  against  any  of  the  foregoing  By-Laws, 
his  Owner  shall  pay  the  Fine  or  Forfeiture,  unless  he  shall  choose 
to  deliver  up  his  said  Slave  to  be  Corrected ;  in  which  Case  the 
Justice  before  whom  the  Conviction  shall  be,  shall  Order  such  Slave 
to  be  Whipped  at  the  House  of  Correction  not  exceeding  twenty 
Stripes,  nor  less  than  five  according  to  the  nature  and  aggravation 
of  such  Offence. 

It  is  hereby  Voted  Ordered  &  Declared  that  all  By-Laws  hereto- 
fore made  in  this  Town,  not  at  this  present  Meeting  Voted,  be  and 
hereby  are  Repealed  and  made  Void. 

[4©0£.]  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
desired  and  Impowred  to  present  all  the  By-Laws  &  Orders  of  the 
Town  now  passed,  to  the  next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace,  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  for  their  Allowance 
and  Approbation. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Print  said  By-Laws  and 
Orders,  after  they  are  Approved  of  by  the  Court  of  Sessions,  on  the 
best  Terms  they  can. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  and  hereby  is  given  to 
Benjamin  Prat  Esqr.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  for  transacting 
the  Business  thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Disniiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  legally  qualifyed  and  warned  in  Public  Town  Meeting 
Assembled  at  Faneuil-Hall  on  Tuesday  the  first  day  of  November 
AD  1757. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  Read. 

Benjamin  Prat  Esqr.  was  chose  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Article  in  the  Warrant, 
viz',  to  determine  what  may  be  futher  necessaiy  to  be  done  relating 
to  the  B3'-Laws  and  Orders  of  the  Town,  and  thereupon  Voted 
that  Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher  &  Mr.  William 
Story  be  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  enquire  into 
the  Exceptions  taken  by  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace 
to  the  By-Laws  and  Orders  of  the  Town  pass'd  at  their  Meeting  the 
first  of  August  last,  and  presented  to  sd.  [401.]  Court  for  their 
Approbation,  consider  of  said  Exceptions  and  Report  their  Opinion 
thereon  at  the  intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  10th.  of  May  last  on  the  Petition 
of  John  Hill  Esqr.  made  Report  that  they  had  fully  heard  the 
Petitioner,  and  gave  it  as  their  Opinion  that  it  will  not  not  be  proper 
for  the  Town  to  grant  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  or  do  any  thing 
concerning  it,  but  that  said  Petition  be  Dismissed,  which  being 
Read,  Voted  that  said  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  said  Petition 
be  Dismissed. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Article  in  the  Warrant 
viz1,  whether  the  Town  will  Purchase  the  Tickets  in  Lottery  N°.  Three 


320  City  Document  No.  170. 

that  remain  unsold  as  the  time  allowed  by  Law  for  drawing  the  same 
is  near  expiring,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon,  the  following 
Question  was  put,  "whether  the  Town  will  take  to  their  Account, 
and  at  their  Risque  all  such  Tickets  in  said  Lottery  as  shall  remain 
unsold  the  28th.  of  November  instant  at  Night,"  and  it  Passed  in  the 
Affirmative. 

Samuel  Grant  Esqr.  Mr.  Thomas  HillJoshua  Henshaw  &  Joseph 
Jackson  Esq".  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Mr.  Samuel  Hewes  &  Mr.  John 
Scollay  appointed  by  an  Act  of  the  General  Court  Managers  of 
Boston  Lotteries  for  raising  Monies  to  Pave  &  Repair  the  Neck, 
presented  their  Accounts  for  Lottery  Number  Two,  drawn  in  Feb- 
ruary last  &  thereupon  It  was  Voted  that  Mr.  Royal  Tyler,  Mr. 
William  Cooper  &  Thomas  Greene  Esqr.  be  a  Committee  to  examine 
said  Accompts  and  Report  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Petition  of  Alexander  Hunt  of  Boston  Gentn.  setting  forth, 
that  the  Town  stand  seized  of  a  Peice  of  Land  of  two  rods  wide 
adjoining  to  the  Petitioners  Land  near  Fort  Hill,  which  at  present 
is  of  very  little  benefit  to  the  Town,  nor  is  it  probable  that  it  will 
ever  be  any  great  Advantage,  and  as  it  bounds  on  the  Petitioner's 
Land  he  would  purchase  the  same  if  the  Town  incline  to  Sell  it. 
on  such  reasonable  terms  as  may  be  agreed  upon,  which  being 
Read.  It  was  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  &  hereby  are  fully  au- 
thorized and  impowred  to  Sell  said  Land  to  such  Person  as  will 
give  most  for  the  same  &  in  the  [401^.]  Name  and  behalf  of  the 
Town  to  give  and  execute  a  good  and  legal  Deed  thereof  to  the 
Purchaser. 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Monday 
the  12th.  day  of  December  next  at  nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Monday  December  12th,  1757  The  Town  meet  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  first  of  November  to  examine  the 
Accompts  of  the  Managers  of  Boston  Lottery  N°.  Two  Reported 
that  they  had  Examined  said  Accots.  &  find  them  just  and  right 
Cast,  whereupon  It  was  Voted  that  said  Report  be  accepted,  and 
that  said  Managers  be  paid  the  Sums  mentioned  in  their  respec- 
tive Accompts. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  first  day  of  November  last  to 
consider  of  the  By-Laws  of  the  Town,  and  of  the  Exceptions  made 
by  the  Court  of  Sessions  thereto,  Reported  that  they  have  attended 
that  Service,  and  Mr.  Justice  Dana  was  so  kind  as  to  Communicate 
to  the  Committee  the  several  Exceptions  aforesaid.  The  Com- 
mittee began  with  the  Consideration  of  said  Exceptions  where  the 
Town  left  off  at  their  Meeting,  and  have  Agreed  to  sundry  Amend- 
ments in  the  same,  and  have  desired  the  Town  Clerk  to  draw  a 
fair  Copy  of  the  same  By-laws,  with  the  Alterations  made  by  the 
Town  and  those  since  agreed  to  by  the  Committee,  which 
Copy  they  now  presented,  and  Report  that  the  same  be  pass'd 
upon  anew  at  this  Meeting.  Whereupon  said  Laws  as  altered  were 
openly  and  distinctly  Read  over,  and  after  due  Consideration 
thereof,  the  same  was  Voted  Chapter  by  Chapter  to  be  observed 
and  kept  by  all  Persons  inhabiting  within  this  Town  (untill  the 
same  or  any  of  them  shall  be  repealed,  and  made  void)  under  the 


Boston   Town  Eecoeds,  1757.  321 

several  &  respective  Pains  &  Penalties  to  them  or  any  of  them 
annexed  and  prescribed. 

The  sd.  By-Laws  and  Orders  as  now  Voted  and  Pass'd  are  as 
follows  Viz'. 

[402.]     Chap:  1st.       For  preventing  Danger  by  Fire   in  the 
Town  of  Boston. 

1.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time 
being  upon  Complaint  made  to  them,  or  otherwise  upon  their  own 
knowledge,  of  any  defective  Chimnies  in  this  Town  shall  from 
time  to  time,  take  effectual  Care  to  have  the  same  viewed  and 
surveyed  by  proper  Persons  by  them  for  that  purpose  to  be  ap- 
pointed, aud  if  upon  the  view  and  survey  said  Chimnies  shall  be 
found  so  defective  as  in  their  Judgment  to  be  dangerous  to  be  used 
on  Account  of  Fire,  the  Selectmen  shall  make  a  Record  thereof, 
and  of  the  Particulars  of  the  Defect  or  Defects,  and  give  to  the 
Occupier  of  the  House  or  Tenement  to  which  the  Defective 
Chimney  belongs  a  Copy  of  said  Entry,  with  warning  not  to  make 
any  Fire  in  such  Chimney  'till  said  Defect  or  Defects  are  cured, 
either  by  amending  repairing  or  rebuilding  said  Chimney,  there- 
upon if  the  Occupant  of  such  Tenement  shall  suffer  a  Fire  to  be 
made  &  kept  in  said  Chimney,  before  said  Chimney  be  cured  of 
such  defect  or  defects,  such  Occupant  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the 
Sum  of  five  shillings  for  every  clay  in  which  a  Fire  shall  be  so 
made  and  kept. 

And  if  the  Occupant  of  any  House  or  Tenement  shall  neglect  or 
refuse  for  the  space  of  twenty  four  hours  after  request  to  suffer 
such  Persons  appointed  as  aforesaid  to  view  &  survey  any  Chimney 
suspected  of  being  defective  as  aforesaid  such  Occupant  shall 
forfeit  and  pay  for  such  Offence  the  Sum  of  fifteen  shillings,  and 
so  from  time  to  time  the  same  Sum  for  every  such  Offence,  as 
often  as  the  same  shall  be  committed. 

2.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town 
for  the  time  being  be  hereby  directed  and  impowred  from  time  to 
time  to  appoint  one  or  more  suitable  Persons  to  be  sweepers  of 
Chimnies  within  this  Town,  whose  Wages  for  their  Work  shall  not 
exceed  the  Rates  hereafter  mentioned  viz'. 

For  each  Chimney  of  five  Stories  high  one  shilling  &  four 
pence. 

For  each  Chimney  of  four  Stories  high  one  shilling  &  two  pence. 

For  each  Chimney  of  three  Stories  high  one  shilling. 

And  other  common  Chimnies  eight  pence. 

All  all  Kitchen  Chimnies  that  are  above  the  Tops  [402-|.l  of 
the  House  they  belong  to  in  proportion  to  the  heighth  of  the  House 
at  the  Rate  above. 

3.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  if  any  Person  who  is  not  so 
appointed  as  aforesaid  shall  presume  either  by  himself  or  Servaut 
to  undertake  the  Sweeping  of  any  Chimney  in  this  Town,  except 
such  Chimney  or  Chimnies  as  are  under  his  or  their  own  Improve- 
ment, such  Person  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings 
for  every  such  Offence. 


322  City  Document  No.  170. 

4.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  all  Persons  so  appointed  by 
the  Selectmen  to  be  the  Undertakers  of  Chimney  Sweeping  shall 
be  obliged  within  forty  eight  hours,  after  notice  given  either  by 
themselves,  or  some  other  Person,  duly  to  attend  the  Sweeping  of 
such  Chimney  on  Penalty  of  forfeiting  ten  shillings  for  every  such 
neglect. 

5.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  upon  Complaint  made  to  any 
of  the  Selectmen  either  by  the  Chimney  Sweepers,  or  by  any  other 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  against  any  Person  or  Persons  ne- 
glecting to  have  their  Chimnies  swept  being  foul,  that  in  every 
such  Case  the  Selectmen  or  any  two  of  them  are  hereby  impow- 
red  to  inspect  and  view  such  Chimnies  complained  of  as  afore- 
said, and  if  they  judge  the  said  Chimnies  or  any  of  them  unsafe  to 
make  or  keep  Fire  therein,  by  reason  of  their  being  foul  &  want  of 
Sweeping,  and  signify  the  same  to  the  Person  or  Persons  then  in 
possession  of  the  Tenement  to  which  such  Chimney  doth  belong, 
that  then  and  in  every  such  Case  the  Occupier  of  every  such  House 
or  Tenement  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  five  shillings  for 
every  clay  in  which  Fire  shall  be  kept  in  such  Chimney  until!  the 
same  shall  be  sufficiently  Swept.  And  if  the  Occupant  of  any 
House  or  Tenement  shall  neglect  or  refuse  for  the  space  of  twenty 
four  hours  after  request  to  suffer  the  Selectmen  aforesaid  to  view 
and  survey  any  Chimnies  suspected  of  being  foul  as  aforesaid, 
such  Occupant  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for  such  Offence  the  Sum  of 
fifteen  shillings  and  so  from  time  to  time  the  same  Sum  for  every 
such  Offence  as  often  as  the  same  shall  be  Committed. 

[403.]  6.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  if  any  Chimney 
shall  take  Fire  &  Blaze  out  at  the  Top  thro  foulness  or  for  want 
Sweeping  the  Occupier  of  the  Tenement  shall  forfeit  &  pay  the 
Sum  of  twenty  shillings  ;  unless  it  shall  happen  within  forty  two 
days  after  said  Chimney  shall  have  been  swept,  and  then  and  in 
such  Case  the  Person  who  last  Swept  the  same,  or  in  Case  of  his 
being  a  Servant  or  Slave,  his  Master  or  Owner  shall  forfeit  &  pay 
the  aforesaid  twenty  shillings. 

7.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  presume  here- 
after to  carry  Fire  in  this  Town  abroad,  or  in  &  through  the  open 
Air  from  any  House  or  Place,  to  any  other  House  or  Place,  but  in 
a  warming  Pan,  or  other  safe  Vessell  well  Covered,  so  as  to  Secure 
the  Fire  from  the  Wind,  and  from  being  Scattered  in  the  Way  ;  or 
in  the  Streets  &  Lanes,  or  on  the  Buildings  on  the  Penalty  and 
Forfeiture  of  two  shillings. 

8.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  kindle  or  make 
or  be  aiding  and  assisting  in  making  or  kindling  in  the  open  Air 
within  two  Rods  of  any  House  Warehouse  Wood-Pile  or  any  other 
Combustible  matter,  subject  to  take  Fire  (except  in  Shipwrights 
Building  Yards,  Coopers  &  Ropemakers  works,  a  careful  Person, 
standing  by  to  watch  the  same)  shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  Sum  of 
twelve  shillings. 

Provided  the  Order  last  aforesaid,  shall  not  be  understood  to 
debarr  any  Tradesman  or  others  from  kindling  Charcoal  in  a  Pot 
or  Pan  out  of  Doors  near  his  House  or  Shop  at  any  time  during 
the  daylight,  in  case  some  careful  Person  shall  stand  by  the  same 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1757.  323 

to  watch  it  as  long  as  it  shall  continue  in  the  open  Street  but  not 
otherwise. 

9.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Coopers  within  this  Town 
shall  Fire  or  burn  their  Casks  in  any  Shop  Warehouse  or  other 
Place  than  in  a  sufficient  Brick  or  Stone  Chimney  made  convenient 
for  that  use  on  Penalty  of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings  for 
every  Offence  contrary  to  this  Order. 

10.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  henceforth 
make  or  fire  any  Lime  Kiln,  or  erect  or  burn  any  Brick  Kiln  but  in 
such  Place  &  Places  as  the  [403-J.]  Selectmen  for  the  time  being 
shall  approve  and  allow  of  on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  twenty  shill- 
ings for  every  transgression  of  this  Order. 

Chap  :  2.  Concerning  the  Streets  &  Lanes  Nusances  therein, 

and  the  Dirt  thereof. 

1.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Person  henceforth  shall 
break  or  digg  up  the  Ground  in  any  of  the  Streets  &  Lanes  of  this 
Town  on  any  occasion  without  the  leave  &  approbation  of  two  at 
least  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being,  and  whoever  shall  offend 
herein  shall  forfeit  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings  :  and  whoever 
shall  obtain  such  leave  shall  cause  the  holes  in  the  Ground  to  be 
every  Night  carefully  Covered  so  as  no  Person  walking  the  Street 
may  be  in  danger  of  falling  in,  and  shall  also  within  such  time  as 
the  said  Selectmen  shall  appoint  cause  the  whole  to  be  repaired 
and  amended,  on  Penalty  of  either  of  those  two  last  mentioned 
Offences,  of  twenty  shillings,  these  several  Penalties  to  be  for- 
feited by  the  Person  by  whose  direction  the  Ground  is  so  broke 
up. 

2.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  whoever  shall  carry 
any  Dirt  Duns  Garbidge  Carcass  Carrion  Shavings  Rubbish  or 
Soil  from  their  Houses  Shops  or  Yards  to  lay  the  same  in  the  streets 
or  Lanes  of  this  Town  on  penalty  of  four  shillings  for  every  dead 
Carcass  or  Carrion  so  laid,  and  three  shillings  for  any  other  Dirt 
or  Annoyance  that  shall  lye  above  the  Space  of  six  hours. 

3.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  when  any  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  this  Town  shall  be  building  or  repairing  their  Houses,  or  dig- 
ging Cellars  Wells  or  Vaults,  they  shall  carefully  lay  their  Timber 
and  other  Materials  so  as  shall  be  no  obstruction  to  Carts  and 
other  Conveyances  passing  by  and  shall  remove  all  the  Rubbish 
and  Dirt  brought  out ;  and  no  Timber  so  brought  or  Dirt  &  Rub- 
bish so  carried  out  shall  in  any  Case  remain  for  the  space  of  twenty 
four  hours  in  any  part  of  the  Street  without  leave  from  two  Select- 
men at  the  least,  nor  longer  without  the  leave  of  the  major  part  of 
the  Selectmen,  and  the  [404.]  Person  building  or  repairing  or 
digging  shall  be  deemed  the  Offender  in  any  of  these  Particulars, 
and  shall  for  each  Offence  forfeit  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings. 

4.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  henceforth  no  Cart  Dray 
Trucks  or  Sled,  drawn  by  either  Horse  or  Horses,  Horse  &  Oxen 
shall  be  suffered  to  pass  through  any  of  the  Streets  and  Lanes  of 
this  Town  but  with  a  sufficient  Driver,  who  shall  during  such  Pas- 
sage keep  with  his  said  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled,  and  carefully 


324  City  Document  No.  170. 

observe  &  attend  such  Methods  as  may  hest  Serve  to  keep  said 
Horse  or  Horses  or  Oxen  under  Command,  and  shall  have  the 
Thill-horse  by  the  head  ;  and  whatsoever  Carter  or  others  under- 
taking to  drive  any  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled,  shall  during  such 
passing  through  the  Streets  and  Lanes  as  aforesaid  either  ride  in 
said  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled,  or  otherwise  neglect  to  observe  and 
attend  the  Rules  prescribed  in  this  Order,  such  Carter  Driver  or 
Owner  of  such  Cart  Dray  Trucks  or  Sled  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the 
Sum  of  eight  shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

5.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Slay  shall  be  drove  in  the 
Streets  of  this  Town  without  Bells  fastned  to  the  Horses  that  draw 
the  same,  and  whoever  shall  offend  herein  shall  forfeit  the  Sum  of 
ten  shillings  for  every  Offence. 

Great  Dangers  arising  oftentimes  from  Coaches  Slays  Chairs 
and  other  Carriages  on  the  Lord's  days  as  the  People  are  going  to 
or  coming  from  the  several  Churches  in  this  Town,  being  driven 
with  great  Rapidity,  and  the  Public  Worship  being  oftentimes 
much  disturbed  by  such  Carriages  driving  by  the  sides  of  the 
Churches  with  great  force  in  time  thereof. 

6.  It  is  therefore  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Coach  Slay  Chair 
Chaise  or  other  Carriage  shall  at  such  time  be  driven  at  a  greater 
rate  than  a  foot  pace,  on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings,  to 
be  paid  by  the  Person  driving,  or  if  he  be  a  Servant  or  Slave  by 
his  master  or  Mistress. 

7.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  whatsoever  shall 
hereafter  erect  or  set  up  any  House  of  Office  or  Easement  within 
this  Town  (or  suffer  the  same  to  continue  being  already  standing 
or  set  up)  within  forty  foot  of  any  Street  Lane  or  highway  or  the 
Dwelling  House  Shop  or  Well  of  any  Neighbour,  unless  [404^.] 
The  same  be  vaulted  six  feet  deep  and  sufficiently  enclosed  or 
otherwise  secured  on  Pain  of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings 
for  every  transgression  of  this  Order,  and  the  like  Sum  of  twenty 
shillings  for  every  three  Months  it  shall  so  continue,  nor  shall  any 
Person  keep  any  Hogg  or  Swine  in  any  Hogsty  within  twenty  foot 
of  any  Highway  Street  or  Lane  or  Alley,  or  of  the  Dwelling  House 
or  Shop  of  any  Neighbour  on  Penalty  of  ten  shillings  for  every 
Month  such  Hog  or  Swine  shall  be  kept  or  continued  in  such  Sty  ; 
unless  such  Sty  be  within  twenty  foot  of  the  Saltwater,  and  the 
Filth  thereof  runs  directly  through  the  Keepers  own  Land  into  the 
Saltwater. 

8.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  at  any  time 
hereafter  use  the  exercise  of  playing  or  kicking  of  Foot-Ball  within 
any  of  the  Streets  or  Lanes  within  the  Body  of  this  Town  shall 
forfeit  and  pay  a  Sum  not  more  than  four  shillings,  nor  less  than 
one  shilling  for  every  such  Offence,  nor  shall  any  Person  unneces- 
sarily throw  or  heave  any  Snow  Balls  or  Stones  or  any  other 
thing  in  the  Streets  Lanes  or  Alleys  of  this  Town  on  Pain  of  for- 
feiting not  more  than  four  shillings  nor  less  than  one  shilling  for 
each  Offence  at  the  discretion  of  the  Justice  before  whom  the  Con- 
viction shall  be. 

9.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  whatsoever  shall  at 
any  time   hereafter  Ride   or  drive  a  Gallop  or  other  swift  Pace 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  325 

within  any  of  the  Streets  Lanes  or  Alleys  of  this  Town,  on  Penalty 
of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  five  shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

10.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  drive  through 
any  of  the  Streets  or  Lanes  of  this  Town  any  Trucks  whose  sides 
exceed  the  length  of  sixteen  feet,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  a  Fine  of 
ten  shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

11.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  every  Driver  who  in  his  Cart 
or  Trucks,  shall  carry  more  than  one  Ton  weight,  except  the  same 
be  one  Cable,  at  a  load,  through  any  of  the  aforesaid  Streets  or 
Lanes  shall  pa}T  a  fine  of  five  shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

[405.]  1 2.  And  it  is  further  Ordered,  that  the  Tire  of  Wheels 
of  all  Carts  and  Trucks  that  shall  be  drawn  by  more  than  one 
Horse  shall  be  full  four  inches  in  breadth,  and  the  Nails  of  the 
Tire  to  be  flatt,  on  Pain  of  forfeiting  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings  for 
every  time  the  said  Cart  or  Trucks  shall  be  improved  in  this  Town, 
to  be  paid  by  the  Owner  of  said  Cart  or  Trucks,  who  shall  be 
deemed  the  Offender  in  any  of  the  Cases  aforesaid. 

Chap  :    od.  For  the  more  effectual  keeping  clean  the  Streets 

for  the  time  to  come. 

1.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  to 
come  do  Farm  the  Dirt  in  the  Streets  divided  into  several  Wards 
to  the  highest  bidder  for  a  Term  not  exceeding  two  Years,  such 
Farmer  to  pay  such  Sum  as  shall  be  agreed  on  between  him  and 
the  Selectmen,  said  Farmer  to  enjoy  the  Privileges,  and  to  be  sub- 
ject to  the  Duties  and  Penalties  respecting  the  same  Dirt  herein 
aftermentioned. 

2.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  in  Places  where  the  Birt  shall 
be  Farmed,  no  other  Person  than  the  Farmer  or  his  Servants  shall 
carry  off  the  Dirt  or  Mud  from  such  Streets  unless  as  hereafter 
provided  on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings  to  the  respective 
Farmers  to  be  paid  by  every  Person  offending. 

3.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Abutters  shall  be  obliged 
on  Notice  from  the  Scavingers  to  rake  up  the  Dirt  before  their 
doors,  and  to  the  middle  of  the  Street  within  twenty  four  hours 
after  Notice  on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  four  shillings  for  every  breach 
of  this  Order. 

4.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  the  Farmer  shall  be  obliged  to 
carry  such  Dirt  out  of  the  Street,  within  twenty  four  Hours  after 
it  is  so  raked  up,  in  default  thereof  he  shall  forfeit  the  Sum  of  ten 
shillings  to  the  Abutter  whose  Dirt  is  not  carried  away,  &  the 
Abutter  may  on  such  Default  cause  the  same  Dirt  to  be  carried 
away  b}T  any  other  Cart,  at  the  Expence  of  the  Farmer. 

5.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  in  such  parts  of  the  Streets 
where  there  is  no  Abutter,  the  Farmer  shall  at  his  own  expence 
cause  the  Dirt  to  be  raked  up  and  carried  away  under  the  Penalty 
as  is  before  provided  for  not  carrying  away  the  Dirt  raked  up  by 
the  Abutters. 

[405-£.]  G.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  in  Case  no  Person 
shall  appear  to  Farm  the  Dirt  as  aforesaid,  then  the  Scavingers 
shall  order  as  often  as  they  shall  think  requisite,  the  Abutters  on 


326  City  Document  No.  170. 

the  Streets  to  rake  up  the  Dirt  before  their  doors  to  the  middle  of 
the  Street,  and  may  Sell  the  same  Dirt  so  raked  up  to  such  Person 
as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  pay  the  Sum  they  shall  receive 
therefor  to  the  Town  Treasurer  for  the  use  of  the  Town  ;  and  in 
case  they  cannot  otherwise  procure  the  Dirt  to  be  carried  away 
they  shall  hire  Carts  at  the  expence  of  the  Town  to  carry  the  same 
away. 

Chap:   4th.  To  prevent  Mischief  and  Danger  from  Indian 

Negro  &  Molatto  Slaves  &  Servants. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Indian  Negro  or  Molatto  Slave 
or  Servant  shall  stroll  unnecessarily  abroad  or  be  loitering  and 
ideling  in  any  of  the  Streets  and  Lanes  or  on  the  Common  on  the 
Lord's  day,  or  after  nine  o'Clock  at  Night  on  any  day  of  the  Week, 
upon  the  Penalty  of  five  shillings  for  each  Offence  to  be  paid  either 
by  such  Indian  Negro  or  Molatto,  or  else  by  his  or  her  Master  or 
Mistress,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Justice  before  whom  the  Con- 
viction shall  be. 


Chap  :  5th.  To  prevent  Nusances  on  the  Common  and  to 

Regulate  the  same. 

1 .  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  lay  any  dead 
Carcass,  Carrion  Ordure  Filth  or  Rubbish  of  any  kind  on  any  part 
of  the  Common,  or  elswhere  in  this  Town  not  being  on  such  Per- 
sons own  Land,  except  in  such  Places  only  as  shall  be  by  the 
Selectmen  for  the  time  being  allowed  for  that  purpose  on  the  Pen- 
alty of  not  less  than  ten  shillings,  nor  more  than  twenty  shillings 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Justice  before  whom  the  Conviction  shall  be. 

2.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  digg  any  Turf 
Gravel  Sand  or  Loam  on  the  Common  or  other  Town's  Land,  un- 
less in  such  Places,  and  under  such  Limitations  &  Restrictions, 
as  the  Selectmen  for  the  [406.]  Time  being  shall  appoint  and  order 
on  the  Penalty  for  each  Offence  of  not  more  than  twenty  shillings 
nor  less  lhan  ten  shillings,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Justice  before 
whom  the  Conviction  shall  be. 

3.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  no  Person  shall  cut  break 
down  girdle  kill  or  destroy  any  Tree  that  is  or  shall  be  set  out  or 
growing  on  the  Common  or  an}'  Land  belonging  to  this  Town  on 
the  Penalty  of  twenty  shillings  for  each  Tree  so  cut  broke  girdled 
kill'd  or  destroyed. 

4.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  presume  to 
throw  rowl  or  fling  the  Bullet  or  any  other  such  Instrument,  whether 
made  of  Lead  Iron  Brass  Stone  Wood  or  any  other  matter  or  sub- 
stance that  may  endanger  the  Lives  or  Limbs  of  any  of  His  Majes- 
ty's Subjects,  in  the  Common  Training  Field  Highways  Lanes 
Streets  or  Alleys  in  the  Town  shall  forfeit  and  pay  a  Sum  not  less 
than  five  shillings  nor  more  than  twenty  shillings  at  the  discretion 
of  the  Justice  before  whom  the  Conviction  shall  be. 

5.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  whoever  shall  keep  any  Cow 


Boston  Town  Records,  1757.  327 

or  Cows  going  at  large  shall  pay  into  the  hands  of  such  Person  or 
Persons  as  the  Selectmen  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint  to  receive 
the  same,  the  Sum  of  two  shillings  p  Annum  for  each  Cow  to  be 
employed  as  follows  viz'  one  shilling  &  two  pence  thereof  towards 
providing  three  Bulls  to  go  at  large  on  the  Common  from  the  first 
day  of  April  to  the  first  day  of  November  following  yeaiiv  and 
every  Year,  and  two  Bulls  to  go  on  the  Common  (or  as  "the  belect- 
men  shall  order)  from  the  first  of  November  to  the  first  of  April 
following  yearly  and  every  Year;  seven  pence  more  thereof  for 
paying  the  Cow  Keeper,  and  the  remaining  three  pence  for  pay- 
ing the  Person  that  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  to  give 
forth  Certificates  to  the  Owner  of  each  Cow,  shewing  that  they 
have  paid  the  said  two  shillings  per  head  for  each  Cow,  &  any 
Cow  that  shall  be  found  going  on  the  Common  as  aforesaid  whose 
Owner  shall  not  have  a  Certificate  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  by  the 
Cow  Keeper  (or  other  Person  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  for  that 
end)  Impownded,  and  the  Owner  shall  pay  three  shillings  per  head 
to  the  Impownder  before  the  Cow  or  Cows  be  discharged,  and  the 
said  Cow  or  Cows  shall  not  be  suffered  to  go  on  the  Common  untill 
the  Owner  shall  have  paid  said  3/  &  gained  A  Certificate  as 
aforesaid. 

[406$.]  6.  It  is  also  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Ox  Steer 
Horse  Sheep  or  Goats  shall  be  suffered  to  go  at  large  on  the  Com- 
mons or  in  the  Streets  (except  such  as  are  uuder  the  Care  of  some 
Person  and  driving  to  Market)  on  Penalty  that  the  Owner  thereof 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  three  shillings  for  every  Ox  Steer 
Horse  Sheep  or  Goat  that  shall  be  found  going  at  large  as 
aforesaid. 

7.  And  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Cow  Keeper  aforesaid,  or  any 
other  Inhabitant  of  this  Town  to  Impownd  and  Detain  such  Ox  Steer 
Horse  Sheep  or  Goat  untill  the  Penalty  aforesaid  be  paid. 

Chap:  6th.  Concerning  the  Market  and  Buying  &  Selling 

Provision  in  the  Town  of  Boston. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  Faneuil-Hall  Market  being  open 
shall  be  under  the  following  Regulation. 

1.  That  a  Clerk  thereof  be  constantly  chosen  Annually  by  the 
Town  in  March  whose  Buisness  and  Duty  shall  be  to  see  that  the 
several  Rules  &  Orders  of  the  Town  be  observed  and  kept. 

2.  That  he  shall  suffer  no  unwholesome  or  Putrid  Meat  or  other- 
wise unfit  for  Sale  to  be  sold  there  ;  and  if  any  such  be  offered  to 
Sale,  in  the  said  Market  he  shall  be  obliged  to  preferr  a  prosecution 
against  the  Offender. 

3.  That  the  said  Clerk  shall  not  Buy  any  Provision  in  said  Market 
other  than  for  his  own  Family  use,  and  on  the  Conviction  of  the 
breach  of  this  Order  the  Selectmen  shall  displace  him,  and  appoiut 
another  in  his  Room,  which  Person  so  appointed  shall  continue  in 
his  said  Office  untill  the  next  Town  Meeting. 

4.  That  every  day  in  the  Year,  except  Lord's  days,  and  days  sst 
apart  by  the  Government  for  Religious  Service,  shall  be  a  Market 
day,  the  Market  shall  be  opened  by  the  Ringing  of  the  Bell,  which 


328  City  Document  No.  170. 

shall  be  at  Sunrise,  and  from  the  Ringing  of  the  Bell  untill  one 
o'Cloek  in  the  Afternoon  &  every  Saturday  Afternoon,  and  every 
other  Afternoon  proceeding  any  day  set  apart  by  the  Government  for 
Religious  Service  as  aforesaid,  untill  Sunset,  shall  be  esteemed 
Market  Hours. 

5.  That  no  Steelyards  be  allowed  in  said  Market  or  other  than 
[407.]  Sealed  Weights. 

6.  That  no  Cart  Team  Horse  Wheelbarrow  that  may  incommode 
the  Market  shall  be  allowed  to  stand  or  be  near  the  Entrance  of 
the  Market  place,  but  shall  be  immediately  removed  upon  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market  to  the  Owner  or  Ojcupier  of  the 
same  under  the  Penalty  of  ten  Shillings. 

7.  That  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  are  impowred  to  appor- 
tion the  Size  marks,  and  Number  the  several  Stalls  &  to  let  them 
out  to  such  Persons  &  on  such  Terms,  as  they  shall  Agree. 

8.  That  all  Disputes  arising  in  the  Market  between  Buyer  and 
Seller,  concerning  things  bought  and  Sold  in  the  Market  shall  be 
determined  by  the  Clerk. 

9.  That  no  Meat  shall  be  left  in  the  Market  after  it  is  shut  up, 
if  any  be  it  shall  be  forfeit  to  the  Clerk  of  the  said  Market,  and  if 
the  Clerk  shall  wittingly  Connive  at  the  Breach  of  this  Order,  he 
shall  for  every  such  Connivance  forfeit  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings. 

10.  That  no  Person  before  one  o'Cloek  in  the  afternoon  shall  buy 
any  Provision  in  the  said  Market  with  intent  to  Sell  the  same,  at 
a  greater  Price  nor  Sell  any  Provision  so  bought  at  a  greater  Price 
on  Penalty  of  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings  for  each  Offence. 

11.  That  no  Huckster  shall  before  one  o'Cloek  in  the  Afternoon 
in  any  part  of  the  Town  buy  any  Provision  bro't  to  Town  by  Land 
or  over  the  Ferries  for  Sale,  with  intent  to  Sell  the  same  again  un- 
der the  Penalty  of  twenty  shillings  for  each  Offence. 

Chap:  7th.  1.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  all  Carts  and 
other  Carriages  of  Hay  as  they  come  into  Town  shall  be  weighed 
&  a  Tally  with  the  weight  of  the  cart  and  Hay  be  then  fixed  upon  it, 
and  that  the  Cart  or  Carriage  upon  it's  Return  be  Tared,  and  the 
weight  thereof  marked  on  it. 

2.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  a  suitable  Person  be  from 
time  to  time  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  as  they  shall  think  fit  to 
take  Care  that  the  Engine  for  weighing  of  Hay  be  kept  in  good 
Repair,  &  to  see  the  weight  of  all  Hay  thus  bro't  to  Market  and 
to  Tally  the  same,  and  mark  the  Carriages  on  their  Return  as 
aforesaid :  and  that  the  said  Person  shall  be  under  Oath  to  do 
Justice  between  Buyer  &  Seller,  and  shall  attend  from  Sunrising 
to  [4©7£.]  Sunsetting,  and  shall  make  an  Entry  in  a  Book  to 
be  by  him  kept  for  that  purpose  of  all  the  Hay  he  weighs. 

3.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  there  be  allowed  to  the 
Person  for  every  Load  of  Hay  so  weighed  eight  fifteenths  of  a 
penny  for  each  hundred  of  Hay,  to  be  paid  by  the  Person  who 
Bu}Ts  the  same,  or  in  case  of  his  Absence  at  the  time  of  weighing 
then  to  be  paid  by  the  Importer  who  shall  be  reimbursed  by  the 
Buyer. 

4.  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that  if  any  Person  Inhabitant  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  aforesaid,  shall  Buy  any  Hay  thus  brought 


Boston  Town  Ee cords,  1757.  329 

to  Market,  without  the  same  be  first  weighed  as  above,  he  or  they 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  twenty  shillings  for  every  Load 
or  Parcel  of  Hay  so  bought. 

5.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town 
shall  from  time  to  time  appoint  one  or  more  Common  Cryers,  and 
no  Person  except  so  appointed  shall  presume  to  Act  as  Oyer  for 
others  on  the  Penalty  of  five  shillings  for  each  Offence  ;  and  every 
Person  so  appointed  Cryer  shall  keep  a  true  &  perfect  List  of  all 
Things  by  him  Cried,  and  the  Names  of  the  Persons  who  ordered 
him  to  Cry  the  same,  and  give  in  a  true  Copy  thereof  to  the  Town 
Clerk  once  a  Month  on  the  Penalty  of  ten  shillings  for  each  neglect : 
and  the  Selectmen  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint  the  Fees  of  the 
said  Cryer  which  he  shall  not  exceed  on  Penalty  of  five  shillings 
for  each  Offence. 

Great  Complaint  being  made  of  many  Persons  washing  them- 
selves in  public  and  frequented  Places  to  the  Great  Reproach  of 
Modesty  &  good  Manners. 

6.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  no  Person  whosoever  above 
the  Age  of  twelve  Years  shall  in  the  daytime,  or  in  one  hour  after 
Sunset  undress  themselves  and  go  into  Water  within  ten  rods  of 
any  dwelling  House  in  the  Town  at  that  time  Inhabited,  nor  shall 
any  Person  being  in  the  Water  Swim  within  ten  rods  of  any  Dwelling 
House  Inhabited  as  aforesaid  on  Pain  of  forfeiting  for  each 
Offence  the  Sum  of  ten  shillings,  and  for  a  second  Offence  the 
Sum  of  twenty  shillings. 

[408.]  7.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  every  Householder 
and  other  Persons  who  are  commonly  known  to  make  use  of  any 
of  the  Pumps  Wells  or  Cisterns  standing  or  being  in  any  Ground 
Streets  or  Highways  belonging  to  this  Town  for  their  supply  of 
Water  for  their  ordinary  Occasions,  every  such  Person  shall  allow 
&  pay  unto  such  of  the  Neighbourhood  whom  the  Selectmen  shall 
appoint  to  receive  the  same  such  proportionable  Sum  or  Sums  of 
Money  as  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  shall  assess  him  or  her 
to  pay  for  keeping  such  Well  Cistern  or  Pump  in  Repair,  and  to 
be  employed  to  the  said  use,  on  pain  that  every  such  Person 
who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  the  payment  thereof  for  the  space 
of  six  days  after  the  same  is  demanded  shall  forfeit  and 
pay  double  the  value  of  said  Sum  to  the  use  of  the  Poor  of 
this   Town. 

8.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  all  Penalties  &  Forfeitures 
arising  by  the  belbregoing  By-Laws  not  otherwise  expressly 
dispos'd  of  shall  be  as  the  Law  directs  to  the  use  of  the  Poor  of 
the  Town ;  and  whoever  shall  prosecute  to  effect  any  of  the 
Breaches  thereof  shall  be  intitled  to  receive  one  half  as  much  as 
shall  be  recovered  for  the  use  of  the  Poor  out  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  Town  to  his  own  use. 

9.  It  is  Voted  and  Ordered  that  where  any  Negro  Indian  or 
Molatto  Slave  shall  be  the  Offender  against  any  ofthe  foregoing 
By-Laws,  his  Owner  shall  pay  the  Fine  or  Forfeiture  unless  he 
shall  choose  to  deliver  up  his  said  Slave  to  be  Corrected,  in  which 
Case  the  Justice  before  whom  the  Conviction  shall  be,  shall  Order 
said  Slave  to  be  Whipped  at  the  House  of  Correction  not  exceed- 


330  City  Document  No.  170. 

ing  twenty  Stripes  nor  less  than  five,  according  to  the  Nature  & 
Aggravation  of  such  Offence. 

Voted  that  the  Order  or  Vote  passed  by  the  Town  at  their 
Public  Meeting  the  first  day  of  August  last,  for  Repealing  and 
making  Void  all  By-Laws  made  &  pass'd  hy  the  Town  before 
that  time,  be  and  hereby  is  Repealed  disannulled  &  made  Void. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  present  the  aforegoiug  By-Laws  and 
Orders  of  the  Town,  as  they  are  now  passed  Chapter  by  Chapter, 
to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  held  at  Boston 
within  &  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  Janu- 
ary next,  for  their  Allowance  &  Approbation. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


[This  point  is  taken  as  a  convenient  one  for  closing  the 
present  volume,  although  it  does  not  complete  the  fourth  book 
of  the  Town  Records. 

W.  H.  W.] 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


Adams,  7,  28,  30,  35,  39,  46,  52,  55,  58,  60,  63, 
68,  72,  77,  78,  80,  81,  83,  85,  92, 95,  98, 105, 
107,  110,  115,  119,  120,  133,  139,  142,  157, 
159,  164,  172,  1S2,  191,  201,  207,  214,  228, 
231,  235,  260,  269,  287,  294,  295,  296,  298, 
299. 

Aish,  269. 

Albany,  266. 

Alexander,  30,  67,  81. 

Allen,  6,  7,  23,  28,  35,  40,  54,  55,  56,  5S,  60, 
61,  67,  72,  74,  75,  77,  79,  80,  82,  85,  86,  87, 
88,  89,  91,  95, 101,  102,  103,  104, 106,  108, 
110, 114,  115,  118,  121,  128,  131,  132,  136, 
139, 148,  153, 154,  156,  158,  159'  160,  161, 
162,  165,  168,  170,  171,  175,  176, 184,  1»7, 
190,  191,  194,  195,  205,  207,  210,  215,  224, 
225,  228,  235,  236,  248,  250,  252,  255,  257, 
260,  263,  266,  285. 

Alline,  269. 

Alley,  Horn,  90,  96. 

Amelee,  159. 

America,  219. 

North,  181 

Amiel,  188, 

Andrews,  139,  227,  247. 

Annapolis,  Royal,  122. 

Apthorp,  2:i,  28,  56,  157,  161,  178,  183,  184, 
245,  256,  258,  265,  296. 

Archbald,  170, 207. 

Armory,  229. 

Armstrong,  207. 

A  skins,  247. 

Atkins,  30,  63,  78,  94, 107,  108, 149, 191,  196, 
236,  237,  283. 

Atkinson,  79. 

Audebert,  87. 

Austin,  270,  286,  294. 

Babbidge,  7. 

Bagnal,  64. 

Bailey,  230,  245,  249,  268. 

Baitb,  94. 

Baker,  30, 108, 110, 172,  236. 

Ball,  81,94. 

Ballard,  29,  44,  54,  67,  81, 108,  109,  133,  157, 

171,  190,209,227,246,285. 
Balston,  54. 

Band,  37, 64,  81,  109,  132,  156,  171. 
Banks,  230. 
Barber,  35,  40,  44,  64,  66,  80,  82,  110, 132,  155, 

173, 189,  205,  207,  208,  210,  214,  218,  228, 

257,  268,  280. 
Barbour,  284. 
Barker,  5,  170,  271. 
Barnard,  6,  7,  41,  08,  80,  81, 108,109,  132, 133, 

190,  207. 
(  Barret,  73,  268,  271,283. 

Barrett,  9,  113,  131,  155,  169,  189,  205,  216, 
'      226,  245,  256,  208,  293. 
Bastow,  7. 

Bass,  44,  116, 125,  136, 192,  233,  245,  247,  281. 
Bates,  287. 
Battery,  The,  42. 

North,  42,  48,  49,  78,  83,  92,  95,  103, 

179,  182,274. 

South,  32,33,  43,  73,  74,  77, 83,91,  92, 

101,116,274,278,279. 
Baxter,  87, 110, 133. 


Bay,  Casco,  240,  281. 

Massachusetts,  206. 
Beacham,  207. 
Bearsto,  35,  67,  80, 108. 
Bedgood,  104, 112. 
Beighton,  118,  252. 

Belknap,  2, 11,  40,  44, 68,  81,  83, 107,  131, 149, 
154,  162,  163,  172,  179, 192,  229,  270,  281, 
^        286   ^94 

Bell,  108,  112,  134,  192,  269. 
Bennest,  170. 
I  Bennet,  295 
)  Bennett,  2,  136. 
(  Bentley,  247. 
Bently,  228. 
Berry,  45,50,  84,  93, 109113,133,158,172,  189, 

206,  246. 
Bethune,  28, 1S8,  296. 
Bicknell,  246,294. 
Bill,  255,  275,  291,308. 
Billings,  110,  117,  209,  228,  269. 
Birch,  69,  70,  71,  72. 
Bird,  228,  247,  285,  295. 
Black,  94. 
Blackman,  210. 
Blanchard,   5.  35,   64,  82,  110,  113,  116,  118, 

132, 134,  136,  137,  152,  207,  247. 
Boardman,  133, 171,  229,  286. 
(Boies,  226,  267. 
\  Boyes,  245. 
Bollan,  265. 
Borland,  10,  119,  227. 
Bosworth,  94. 
Boucher,  8,  113, 157. 
Bound,  4. 

Boutineau,  112,  167,  216,  296 
i  Bowden,  83, 108. 
|  Bowdoin,34,  103,  122, 162, 167, 196,  214,236, 

255,  272,  277,  290,  309. 
Bowen,  64, 174. 
Bowles,  108. 
Bowman,  109. 
Bowyer,  286. 
Boyer,  245,  248,  270,  294. 
Boyes,  see  Boies. 
(  Boyleston,  167. 
{  Boylestone,  91, 134. 
(  Boylstone,  296. 
Bradford,  8,  35,  38,40,  53,  54,  66,  80, 103,  173, 

204. 
Bradstreet,  251,  253,  254. 
Brattle,  186. 
Brazier,  113. 

Breck,  6,  84,  109, 113, 133,  158, 172,  207,  281. 
Bridge,  207,  229,  233,  245. 
I  Bridgcham,  11. 
)  Bridgham,  40,  68, 137. 
Bridge,  Draw,  The,  223. 
Olivers,  125. 
Swing,  139. 
Bridgham,  see  Bridgcham. 
Bristol,  100. 
Brocas,  171. 
Brock,  20. 

Bromfield,  3,  29,  46,  51,  64,69,  78,  89,  91,  95, 
104,  106,  108,118,119,123,129,  132,  145, 
155,  163,  105,  169,  170,  189,  205,  2 16,  220, 
232,  245,  208,  282,  290. 


332 


City  Document  No.  170. 


(  Brown,  6,  7,  40,  63,  108,  156. 

|  Browne,  35,  133. 
Bryant,  4. 

Bucklev,  5,  35,  64,  82,  110, 132. 
Bu  lunch,  9. 
Burial  place,  Old,  173. 
Burn,  262,  286. 
Burroughs,  170. 
Burt,  211,  245. 

Buryingplace,  South,  53,  64. 
Butler,"2,  5,  227,  269,  285. 
Byles, 37, 76, 92, 161, 174, 175, 216,  227, 230, 288. 

Calef,  109, 113, 118,  235,  252,  253,  267. 

Cambridge,  223,  251,  253,  283. 

Campbell,  200,  267. 

Candish,  233,  247,  285. 

Cape  Breton,  68,  72,  83,  84,  85,  118,  122,  124. 

Briton,  56. 
Carnes,  84,  109,  133,  158,  172,  189,  206,  227, 

245,  267. 
Carolina,  North,  239,  280. 
South,  239,  280. 
Carter,  35,  67,  80, 108,  132,  156,  170,  190,  210, 

228,  270,  285. 
Cary,  107. 
I  Casno,  110. 
I  Cazneau,  229,  248. 
Castle  William,  91, 129. 
Cazneau,  see  Casno. 
Chamberlain,  35. 
I  Chapel,  King's,  145. 
j  Chappel  King's,  135,  139, 143,  146, 151,  237, 

242. 
Chapman,  249. 

Chappel,  King's,  see  Chapel,  King's. 
Chardon,  79, 161,  256,  293,  295. 
Charlestown,  100,  221,  239,  251,  253,  280. 
S  Chauncey,  1,  93,  196,  244,  256,  308. 
I  Chauncy,  34. 
Checkley,  9,  72,  97, 148, 149, 176, 177, 195, 236, 

275,  288,  309. 
Cheever,  35,  80,  89,  95,  104,  111,  119. 
Chelsea,  236. 
Child,  267,  295. 
Church,  17,  18,  62,  65,  83,  218,  228,  246,  268, 

286,  297. 
Church,  New  Brick,  45,  49. 
South,  37. 
Old,  65. 

Brick,  38,  62,  69,  73,  198. 
North,  37,  65,  198. 
South,  37,  62,  64,  65,  73,  75. 
(  Clark,  79,  234,  245,  247,  294,  307. 
Clarke,  2,  27,  34,  39,  43,  45,  52,  63,  78,  94, 
95,  108,  149,  168,  258,  2S4,  296. 
Clough,  66,  108,  138,  160,  208. 
(  Coburn,  4,  226. 
)  Coburne,  133. 
Codner,  30. 
Coffin,  151, 152,  249. 
Coit,  2, 107. 
Coles,  81. 

College,  Harvard,  177. 
Collins,  170,  191,  192,  209,  210,  227,  246,  269, 

284,  294. 
\  Collson,  7,  8,  86,  190. 
J  Colson,  88,  96,  108,  111,  132, 149, 156,  172, 

228,  247. 
Colvill,  217,  219. 

Common,  The,  27,  37,  45,  46,  51,  53,  63,  66, 
77,  82,  90,  94,  101,  111,  119,  139,  140,  149, 
152,  162,  163,  178, 179,  208,  214,  217,  218, 
224,  231,  233,  243,  257,  259,  260,  262,  264, 
274,  290,  307,  315,  316,  32o,  327. 
Comrin,  5,  167. 
Concord,  215. 
Coney,  7,  209. 

(  Connecticut,  85,  222,  239,  282,  305. 
j  Connecticutt,  280,  292. 
(  Cook,  87. 
Cooke,  2,  20,  28,  34,  39,  43, 46,  50,  51,  52,  56, 
63,  73,  86,  87,  95,  119,  131,  136, 146,  149, 
152, 162, 168, 173, 175, 188,  216,  278. 


Cooper,  91,  110,  119,  131,  161,  192,194,  205, 
208,  212,  214,  215,  216,  227,  231,  232,  249, 
251,  256,  258,  265,  269,  272,  277,  282,  284, 
288,  290,  291,  292,  295,  296,  309,  320. 
Copeland,  80,  207,  228. 
Cotta,  81, 109,  133,  157, 171,  190,  246,  269. 
Cotton,  134, 171,  226. 
County  of  Essex,  240,  281. 

Middlesex,  240,  281,283. 
Suffolk,  30,  50,  68,  79,  85,  97,  106, 
121,  126,  185, 186,  189,  223,  252, 
284,  292,  298,  319,  329. 
Worcester,  240,  281. 
(  Coverley,  284,  285. 
|  Coverly,  30,  269. 
Cowell,  3,  8,  36,  67,  157,  171,  190,  269,  285, 

297. 
Cradock,  149. 
Craft,  68. 
Crafts,  285,  295. 
Craister,  208. 
Cravath,  67. 
Crosley,  188. 
Cunningham,  14,  17,  23,  52,  56,  71,  89,   107, 

114, 160,  192,  209,  267,  284. 
Currier,  67,  80,  228,  248. 
Curtis,  189, 192,  210,  228,  248,  270,  286,  295. 
Cushing,  1,  11, 12,  17,  22,  23,26,  34,  38,  45,  48, 
54,56,  58,   62,  68,70,  71,  72,76,  87,109, 
134,  157,  170,  208,  214,  226,  244,  267,  276, 
279,  282,  292,  293,  296,  297,  300,  320. 
Cutler,  80, 137, 157, 172, 190, 209, 229, 248,  270, 
286,  295. 

Dafforne,  41. 
Dalton,  300. 

Dana,  213,  265,  273,  279,  296,  320. 
Danlorth,  85,  176,  251,  253,  254. 
Darrell,  38,  40,  53,  54,  66. 
Darrington,  7. 
Daves,  209. 

Davis,  133,  207,  226,  230,  247,  285. 
(  Dawes,  108,  139,  210,  248,  269,  270,  283,  285. 
|  Daws,  79, 137. 

Dawson,  67,  80,  108,  132,  170, 190. 
Dar,  87,  109,  133, 158,  168,  172,  189, 192,  206. 
Deblois,  188,  258,  261,  262. 
Decoster,  245. 
Delabroitz,  56. 
Delarue,  272. 

Deming,  207, 229,  248,  270,  286,  294. 
Dennie,  28,  29,  134, 139,  205. 
Dennis,  110, 149. 

Deshon,  26,  36,  37,  64,  209,  228,  229,  232. 
Dexter,  270,  286,  294. 
Dixwell,  109, 133, 134, 157. 
Doane,  188, 189. 

Dock,  The,  46,  90,  94,  137,  139,  155, 165,  166, 
196,  213,  232,  237,  242,  305,  306,  309." 
Olivers,  118,   163,  165,  166,  217,   252, 

276. 

Town,  1,  51,125, 162,  196,  309. 
Dolbeare,  155,  207,  213,  232,  237,  242,  293. 
Dorchester,  223,  224. 

Downe,  3,  29,  64,  78,  84,   88,  92,  95,  102, 103, 
104,  108, 119,   131,  155,  168,  169,  172,  189, 
200,  211,  232,  243,  249,  286,  289,  294. 
Downes,  192,  270,  271. 
Downing,  295. 
I  Drown,  104. 
)  Drownc,  33,  107, 143. 
Dupee,  69,  71,  89,  111,  114,  117, 118, 192,  193, 

201,  217,  219,  226,  235,  251,  252,  253, 

254,  271,  286,  297,  298. 
Durant,  207,  268. 
fDyar,  157. 
Dyer,  67,  79,  133,  171,   232,  247,  269,  285, 

297. 
Dyre,  41,  107,  157, 190,  209,  228. 

Eades,  7. 
Eaton,  192,  207. 

Eayres,  6,  81,  94,  156,  171,  191,  210,  227,  246, 
269,  285,  294. 


U 


Index  of  Names. 


333 


Edes,139,  156,245,294. 

Edwards,  69,  71,  89,  108,  110,  111,  114,  117, 
133,  138,  151,  157,  100,  171,  172, 
190,  191,  192,  193,  207,  208,  211, 
218,  228,  233,  245,  246,  268,  2S6, 
295,  297. 

Eliot,  4,  16,  34,  40,  66,  87,  119,  161,196,204, 
208,  256,  272  275,  308. 

Ellis,  94. 

Erames,  1,  10,  17,  30,  157. 

Emmons,  8,  69. 

Ervins,  161,  170,  189,  258,  275,308. 
(  Etheridge,  171,  191. 
I  Et  bridge,  134. 

Europe,  12. 

Eustice,  83. 

Eustus,  138, 156. 

Evaus,  149,  270. 

Eveleth,  233,  247,  270,  286. 

Everill,  23. 

rFairfeild,  268. 

|  Fairtield,  5,  35,  64,  82,  110,  116,  132,  136, 
■{  155,  163,  166, 173, 189, 210,  228, 

235,  242,  246,  252,  253,  286,  297, 
(.  306, 308. 

Fairserrice,  196,  217,  258. 
Falmouth,  240,  2S1. 
Fancuil,  1,  2,  3,  14,  26,  36, 135,  186. 
Fayer weather,  77,  82,  83,  88,  92,  95,  102,  103, 

104,  106,  122,  145,  284. 
Featherstone,  154,  155,  169. 
Fenno,  62,  66,  74,  75,  82,  111,  137,  159,  165, 
169,  170,  191,  211,  230,  247,  270,  287, 
296. 
Ferry-way,  The,  197,  202. 
Ferry,  Winnisimet,  200. 
Fessenden,  18,  2S. 
Fillis,  192. 
Fisher,  192. 
Fitch,  40,  64,  68,  80,  82, 152,  155, 170,  173,  190, 

218,  262,  269,  285,  195. 
Flatts,  The,  200. 
Fleet,  82,  151,  164. 
Fletcher,  2. 
Flower,  87. 

Flucker,  64,  196,  283,  289,  293,  295,  304,  307. 
Ford,  136,  158,  190,  210,  227,  246,  269,  284, 

294. 
Forsyth,  2,  10,  20,  27,  28,  34,  43,  95,  269,  285, 

295. 
Foster,  6,  7,35,  41,  62,  107,  137,  138,  155,  157, 
160,  172,  173, 179,  189, 190,  204,  209, 
210,  211,  218,  227,  229,  232,  243,  247, 
248,  268,  270,  272,  284,  2S6,  295. 
( Fowele,  109. 

]  Fowle,  81,  133, 190,  209,  246,  269,  297. 
(  Fowles,  67. 
Foxcroft,  119. 
Foye,  107, 161. 
Francis,  18,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  42,  47,  55, 

56. 
Frankland,  34. 
Franklyn,  200. 
Frarvs,  139,  140. 
Freeman,  108, 159,  206,  227. 
Frotbingtaam,  149. 
Furnass,  151,  164. 

Gandall,  269. 

Gardiner,  177,  208,  213,  214,  217,218,  224. 

Gardner,  6,  8,  29,  35,  36,  40,  60,  67,  76,  80,  81, 
87,  103,  109,  111,  149,  154,  157,  168,  177, 
188,  196,  199,  207,  210,  224,  228,  243,  247, 
259,  270,  275,  280,  291,  294,  307. 

Gedncv,  228. 

Gee,  197,  202. 

Gerrish,  30,  34,  110,  133, 134. 

Gibhs,  143. 

Gibson,  17,  IS,  77,  86,  174. 

Giddinga,  191. 
I  Giles,  205. 
)  Gyles,  159,  207,  211. 

Gleason,  287. 


Glen,  247. 
Glocester,  240. 

Goldthwait,  1,  6,  21,  26,  29,  33,  35,  44,  62,  70, 
71,  72,  73,  77,  89,  107,  110,  112,  117,  131, 
132,  154,  155,  168,  175,  187,  205,  208,  225, 
236,  241,  244,  254,  267,  282,  292,  297. 
Gooch,  80,  168. 
Gooding,  7. 
Goodwell,  162. 
Gore,  29,  207,  229. 
Gough,  64. 
Gould,  5,  110. 
Gowen,  28, 
Graham,  94. 
Grainary,  Tbe,  82,  111,  137,  287. 
Grainnary,  The,  81. 

Granary,  The,  2, 10,11,26,31,  40,  55,  62,66, 

6S,  72,  74,  75,  111,  137, 157, 159, 165,  169, 

172, 190,  191,  209,  211,  229,  230,  247,  248, 

250,  270,  287,  296. 

Grant,  29, 107,  131,  133, 138,149,  154, 156,160, 

162,  168,  170,  172,  177,  188,  191,  192,  196, 

205,  208,  210,  216,  218,  225,  227,  244,  246, 

255,  256,  267,  269,  272,  273,  276,  282,  285, 

288,  292,  293,  294,  300,  304,  320. 

Gray,  2,  8,  48,  51,  54,  69,  70,  71,  72,  91,  107, 

110,  115,  119,  128,  132,  139,  153,  156,  158, 

161,  172,  176,  190,  191,  194,  195,  196,  201, 

207,  208,  209,  212,  215,  227,  229,  231,  246, 

248,  269,  270,  2S4,  2S8,  2S7,  294,  309. 
Great  Britain,  40. 

Green,  3,  80,  82,  96,  102,  107,  138,  139,  147, 
157,  170,  171,  174,  207,  225,  226. 

Greene,  10,  40,  54,  88,  95,  102,  110,  111,  112, 
119,  122, 127,  135,  136,  139, 143,  149, 151, 
152,  157, 158, 163, 166,  168,  171, 172,  173, 
174,  176,  177, 190,  192, 194,  198,  200,  208, 

209,  212,  213,  229,  231,  232,  235,  245,  248, 
249,  251,  252,  253,  257,  258,  265, 2?0,  271, 
273,  274,  276, 278.  279,  281,  287,  291,  292, 
296,  297,  306,  309,  319,  320. 

(  Greenleaf,  111,  164,  237,  276,  286. 

J  Greenleafe,  170. 

(  Greennougb,  268. 

I  Greenough,  4S,  66,  80,  87, 157,  171,  191,  202, 

210,  225,  227,  247,  284,  294,  295. 
Greenwood,  111,  202,  28S,  283,  293. 
Gridley,  7,  9,  32,  36,  67,  81,  154,  2u9,  217,  219. 
Griffin,  8,  40. 

Griffith,  230. 
Grimes,  94. 
Grouard,  30,  81. 

Grucby,  202,  207,  247,  268. 

Gunter,  163. 

Guntor,  147. 
Gutteridge,  4. 
Gyles,  see  Giles. 

I  Hail,  154,228,  249,268. 
/  Hale,  138,  284.  . 

Hake,  7. 

Hale,  see  Hail. 

Haley,  233. 

Hall,  28,  64,  79,  80,  104,  106,  132. 

Hall,  Fanenil,  1,  4,  16, 17,  22,  26, 27,  36,  37,  41, 
44,  48,  52,  54,  56,  5S,  61,  62,  70,  72,  76,  87, 
92,96,  102,  106,  114,  115,  121,  124,  126,-127, 
128,130,131,143,  144,  14S,  153,  154,160, 
166,  167,  168,  176,  185,  187,  194,  202,  204, 
215,  224,  225,  236,  243,  244,  255,  260,  261, 
263,  264,  265,  266,  267,  272,  278,  279,  232, 
288,  292,  30  4,319. 

Hall,  Fanuel,  97. 

Hallowell,  281. 
j  Hammet,  154,  157. 
J  Hammett,  189, 

Hammock,  79. 

Hancock,  2,  10,  20,  27,  34,  37,  43,  50,  52,  63, 
78,  83,94,  95,  10S,  131,  136,  145,  148,  149, 
153,  154,  161,  102,  168,  17<i,  177,  173,  183, 
184,  188,  194,  196,  215,  218,225,  236,241, 

249,  256,  257,  258,  260,  276,  309. 
Hardcastle,  284. 

Harris,  8,  67,  80,  269,  295. 


331 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Harrison,  70,  71,  72. 

Harrod,  30,   109,  132,  149,  156,  171,  172,  188, 

190,  210,  269,  295. 
I  Hartley,  156,  170,  190,  210,  248. 
j  Hart  ly,  87. 
Harvey,  116, 125, 136. 
Hase,  108,  132,  156,  170,  190,  243,  270,  285. 
Hascy,  85. 

Hastings,  67,  80,  103,  210,  228,  248,  270,  285. 
Hatch, "90,  96. 
Hatter,  137. 
Haverhill,  221,  280. 
Hawding,  79. 
Hayes,  54. 

Helyer,  7,41,246,  269,  285. 
Henchman,  3,  26,  29,  34,  62,  64,  78,  93,  102, 
104,  108,  119,  131,  155,  169,  189,  205,  216, 
217,  226,  245,  256,  268,  282,  290,  309. 
I  Henley,  245. 
)  Henly,  170. 
Henshaw,  1SS,  205,  216,217,  218,  219,  225,244, 

256,  267,  276,  282,  293,  300,  320. 
(  Hewes,  236,  244,  256,  267,  276,  282,  284,  292, 
}  293,  300,  320. 

(  Hughes,  30,  116,  245. 
Hicks,  1,  4,  115,  116,  149,  150,  178,  199,  213, 

243,  259,  274,  290,  307. 
Highway,  The,  202. 

Hill,  3,  29,  51,  64,  78,  83,  84,  87,  88,  92,  95,  108, 
109, 110,  119,  131, 133,  137,  139,  149,  152, 
154,  155,  157,  158,  162,  168,  169,  172,  174, 
175,  177,  188,  189,  192,  196,  205,  206,  207, 

208,  209,  213,  216,  217,  225,  226,  227,  244, 
245,  247,  256,  257,  267,  268,  269,  276,  281, 
2S2,  283,  284,  292,  293,  300,  306,  319,  320. 

Hiller,  227. 

Hill  Fort,  1,  3,  5,  101,  116,  139,  142,  143,  193, 
200,  273,  278,  320. 

Fo*,  45,  53,  77,  89,  101,  218. 

Ridge,  218. 
Hobbs,  7,  41,  67,  81,  109,  133,  157,  171,  190, 

209,  228,  269,  285,  297. 

Hodgdon,  7,  35,  67,  80,  108,  132,  156,  170,  190, 

210,  22S,  243,  295. 

Holbrook,  1,  17,  18,  26,  39,  46,  50,  51,  62,  65, 
77,  82, 178,  199,  212,  213,  230,233,234,  237, 
243,  259,  260,  261,  274,  290,  307. 
Holland,  48,  66,  80. 

(Holmes,   8,75,  91,  102,  151,  172,  188,  205, 
]  207,  236. 

(  Homes,  230,  243. 
Holyoke,  8,  45,  50,  65,  73,  178,  179,  199,  212, 

228,  233,  237,  247,  259,  269,  274,  290,  307. 
Homer,  30,  245. 
Homes,  see  Holmes. 
Hood,  6,  41. 
Hooper,  9,  94. 

House  Alms,  10,  19,  37,  50,  54,  75,  102, 110, 
152,  174,   183,  198,  199,  226, 
227,  251,  258,  273,  276,  291, 
292,  296,  297,  302. 
Bridewell,  77,  89. 
Court,  97,  185,  203. 
Gun,  90,  163,  164. 
North  Granary,  201. 
Meeting,  276. 
of  Correction,  319,  329. 
Powder,  77,  178,  208,  290. 
Province,  264. 
Town,  88,  186,  203. 
Watch,  10. 

Work,  10,  19,  50,  54,  75,  89,  102,  110, 
150,   151,   152,  158,   174,  198,   251, 
273,  296. 
Worke,  291. 
How,  28. 

Hubbard,  3,  8,  9,  29,  34,  36,  41 ,  62,  64,  67,  78, 
81,  85,  91,  93,  102,  104,  106,  107,  108,  109, 
115,  116,  125,  129,  131,  143,  148,  155,  161, 
162,  165,  169,  176,  189,  195,  203,  205,  215. 
216,  220,  224,  226,  231,  236,  237,  243,  244, 
245,  250,  255,  260,  267,  268,  272,  277,  278, 
283,  288,  289,  290,  292,  294,  304. 
Hughes,  see  Hewes. 


Humphreys,  34. 

Hunniwell,  287. 

Hunstable,  138. 

Hunt,  3,  67,  104,  118,  139,  142,  143,  190,  192, 
193,  200,  204,  207,  252,  278,  320. 

Husbands,  192. 

Hutchinson,  2,  10,  14,  17,  18,  19,20.21,23, 
27,  23,  31,  34,  38,  41,  45,  46,  50,  55,  56,  58, 
63,  6S,  72,  88,  93,  95,  5*7,  98,  102,  107,  115, 
119,  123,  127,129,  131,  143,  144,  148,  153, 
154,  167,  174,  176,  192,  193,  195,  206,  216, 
231. 

Hyslop,  192. 

Inches,  7,  226,  294. 
Iudicott,  6,  79,  137,  152,  156. 
Indies,  Spanish  West,  12. 

West,  12. 
Ingrabam,  67,  81,  109. 
Jnman,  2. 
Ireland,  12,  44. 
Island,  Deer,  236. 
Islands,  Windward,  12. 

Jackson,  4,  6,  35,  80,  84,  109. 133,  157,  158, 172, 
189,  190,  205,  206,  209,  218,  225,  fll,  229, 
244,  247,  248,  249,  256,  267,  268,  270,  276, 
282,  284,  287,  292,  293,  295,  296,  300,  320. 

Jamaica,  12. 

Jarvis,  109. 

Jeffries,  1,  2,  10,  16,  20,  28,  34,  43,  93,  95,  102, 
119,149,  169,  182,  1*3,  188,  194,  196,  197, 
201,  205,211,  212,  216,  226,  227,  235,  242, 
243,  244,  251,  256,  260,  267,  273,  275,  276, 
2S4,  291,  292,  293,  296,  297,  308,  309. 

Jenkins,  7,  79,  109,  120,  134,  171,  172,  191, 
209,  228,  297. 

Jennings,  35. 

Johnson,  134,  137,  163. 

Johonnot,  179. 

Jones,  18,  21,  23,  24,  25,  26,  42,  79,  80,  85, 
101,  190,204,  269,  285. 

Joy,  284,  294. 

Kenny,  94. 

Kent,  7,  41,  183,  184,  211,  213,  297,  306. 

Kilby,  18,  24,  25,  26,  42,  44,45,  47,57, 171, 184, 

241,  265. 
Kimball,  64. 
Kneeland,  80,  133,  170,  189,  210,  217,  219,  228, 

235,  246,  251,  252,  253,  254,  268,  286,  297. 
Knowles,  118,  121, 122,  124. 

(  Lamott,  196. 
(  Lamotte,  196. 
Lane,  2,  4. 
Lane,  Bromfield's,  145. 

Cow,  112, 116. 

Dassetts,  164. 

Green,  1,  9. 

Joyliffs,  116. 

Long,  273,  276. 

Olivers,  116. 

Pudding,  8S. 

Spring,  164. 

Wood,  177. 
Langdon,  158. 
Larrabee,  71,  89,  111,  114,  117,  138,  160,  165, 

177,200,201. 
Laughton,  191. 
Lawlor,  132,  170. 
Lavrson,  7. 
Leblond,  233,  245. 
Lee,  8,  35,  81,  86,  104, 190,  209,  217,  219,  285, 

296. 
Leverett,  67, 143,  149,  207,  229,  245,  285,  294. 
Lewis,  2,  9,  29,  58,  60,  74,  75,  79, 102, 104,  106, 

123,  161,195. 
Lloyd,  236. 

London,  12,  18,  21,  26,  42,  184,  241,  265. 
Loring,  89,  207,  200,  283. 
Louisbourg,  124,  2ti0. 


Index  of  Names. 


335 


(  Lovel,  134,  164,  178, 199,  203,  212,  242,  307. 

\  Lovell,  1,  2,  3,  14,  17,  18,  93,  134,  259,  274, 

(  '       290. 

Low,  170, 191,  210,  284,  294. 
Lowdcr,  134,  158,  173. 
Lowell,  157,267. 
Luce,  24. 
Ludgate,  241. 
Lyman,  2. 

Maccarty,  190,  209,  229. 

Maccoy,  79. 

Mackev,  66, 109. 

Haddocks,  250. 

Man,  220. 

Marblehead,  12,  100,  221,  240,  2S0,  281. 

March,  79,  170,  190,  210. 

Marion,  2,  3,  14,  62,  65,  75,  122,  143. 

Mariot,  87,  247. 

Market,  Faneuil,  4. 

Ff.neuil  Hall,  1,  4,  17,  19,  20,  22,  36, 
50,  5S,  60,  68,  69,  75,  78,  81,  86, 
88,  90,  94, 101,  110,  114,  115,  120, 
124,  132,  135,  137,  140,  141,  142, 
144,  153,  155,  158,  159,  164,  172, 
182,  191,  201,  206,  208,  209,  213, 
214,  217,  224,  225,  227,  229,  232, 
235,  254,  260,  297,  298,  305,  316, 
327. 
Fish,  158. 
North,  4,  31. 
South,  4,  39. 
Markett  Faneuil  Hall,  271,  286. 
Marrow,  205. 

Marsh,  4,  87,  133,  157,  297. 
Marshall,  41. 
Martvn,  120. 
Maryland,  239,  280. 
Mason,  207,  229,  248. 
Mather,  34,  94,  106,  149, 177, 194,  216, 255,  275, 

291,  308. 
Maverick,  149. 
May,  35, 
Mayhew,  160. 
McDaniel,  216. 
Mclntire,  4,  228. 
McKean,  108. 
Mcmillian,  229. 
(  McXeal,  7. 
)  McNeil,  211. 
Medford,  100,  221,  239,  280. 
Merchant,  40,  66,  80, 170. 
Middletown,  239. 
Miller,  287. 
Milliken,  110. 
Milton,  223,  224. 
Minot,  63. 

Mitchell,  226,  230,  236. 
(  Moberley,  109, 133. 
/  Moberly,  6,  41,  6S,  81,  156. 
Moffatt,  295. 
Molineaux,  64. 
Monk,  29. 
Moore,  67,  108,  132,  170,  191,  210,  228,  248, 

270,  294. 
<  More,  80, 156. 
/  Mower,  81. 
Morley,  207,  229. 
Morris,  5. 
Morse,  94. 
Moulin,  53,  04. 
Mower,  nee  More. 
I  Muckelroy,  134. 
i  Muckleroy,  160 
Mullins,  94. 

I  Nantucket,  100,  221,  239,  240,  281. 

/  Nantnckett,  280. 
Neck,  174. 
Neck,  The,   2,  11,  63,  66,  103,  158,  166,223, 

279,  283,  300,  306,  320. 
Boston,  279,  289. 

j  Neshetl,  7. 

j  Neebitt,  35. 


Newbury,  100,  221,  238,  239,  240,  280,  2S1. 
Newell,  67,133,  134,154,  157,170,   171,  191, 

228  *  ' 

New  England,  238,  240,  262,  280. 
Newfoundland,  100,  221,  239,  280. 
New  Hampshire,  85,  239,  280,  2S2,  292,  305. 
New  Haven,  239. 
New  London,  239. 

Newman,  35,  108,  110,  157,  171,  172,  191. 
Newport,  239. 
New  York,  84,  221,  239,  280. 
Nichols,    7,  107, 109,  133,  136,  154,  171,  191, 

192,210,  227,  246,  269,  285,  294. 
Norton,  118,  192. 
Norwich,  239. 
Nova  Scotia,  239,  280. 
Nowell,  80. 
Noyes,  118,  171,  190,  269,  285,  295. 

Oliver,  3, 17,  29,  34,  45,  46,  51,  58,  64,  72,  76, 
78,  93,  97, 108, 119,  122,  127,  129, 131,  135, 
136,  142,  145,  147,  155,  161,  167,  169,  176, 
189,  192,205,207,  210,216,  226,228,  229, 
241,  245,  246,  248,  256,  257,  262,  263,  264, 
268,  272,  282,  186,  293,  297,  308. 

Osborne,  77,  90,  93,  96,  123,  161,  195,  245,  283, 
308. 

Osgood,  64,  109. 

Overing,  32. 

Owen,  113. 

Oxnard,  36,  75, 102, 119,  158, 167,  227,  251. 

f  Pain,  94, 109, 156, 170,  269. 

J  Paine,  6,  41,  68,  81,  95,  113,  117,  IIS,  122, 

1  128,  178,  191,  210,  227,  246,  285,  294. 

I  Payne,  133, 186. 
Palfrey,  48,  66,  116,  158,  163. 
Palmer,  26,  42,  44,  47,  56,  57,  171,  241. 
Parker,  5,  35,  38,  53,  54,  64,  77,  82,  110,  132, 

135,  143,  155,  173,  189,  210,  218,  228,  237, 
245,  246,  257,  295. 

Parkman,  40,  41,  66,  68,  73,  74,  80,  81,  205. 
Parrott,  86. 

{  Patten,  284,  294. 

I  Pattin,  7,  207,  233,  245,  246,  268, 284,  294. 
Paul,  171. 
Payne,  see  Paine. 
Payson,  67,  80,  157,  190,  192,  204,  211,  232, 

243,249,  271,  2S7,  298. 
Pearson,  257. 
Peck,  270,  284,  2S6,  294. 
Pecker,  5,  35,  40,  44,  64,  82,  110, 114,  116, 132, 

136,  155,  190,  294. 
Peirce,  37,  62,  65. 
Pemberton,  267,  268,  275,  308. 

(  Pensilvania,  239. 
I  Pensylvania,  280. 
Perkins,  3,  28,  64,  134,  209. 
Philadelphia,  221,  239. 
I  Philips,  139. 

(  Phillips,  3,  29,  64,  78,  88,  108,  109,  131, 133, 
139,  149,  155,  158,  166,  167,  169,  170,  172, 
185,  189,  204,  205,  206,  207,  216,  217,  220, 
226,  227,  229,  245,  247,  256,  257,  263,  265, 
266,  268,  278,  279,  282,  284,  288,  290,  292, 
293,  295,  304. 
Phipps,  238. 

Phips,  180, 185,  203,  220,  223,  301. 
Pickman,  83, 108, 149. 
Pierpont,  248. 
Pigeon,  147,  207,  267. 
Pike,  205. 
Pitman,  154, 272. 

Pitts,  161, 167,  236,  237,  256,  290,  291,  293. 
J  Plimouth,  239,  24«. 
)  Plymouth,  12,  1U0,  221,  280,  281. 
Point  Windmill,  139,  142,  143, 152. 
Hudson's,  196,  202. 
Pullin,236. 
Pollard,  27,  84,  86,  104,  105,  258. 
Pond,  2!)."!. 
Pond  Mill,  37. 

Wheeler's,  17,  18,  62,  65,  232,  234,  237, 
242. 


336 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Potter,  157, 171, 190,  209,  227,  246,  269,  285, 297. 
Powell,  192. 

Prat,  174.  193,  206,  279,   296,  301,  304,  305, 
309,  319. 
.  Pratt,  135, 183,  184. 
Price,  247. 
Prince,  26,  09,   70,  71,  72,  119,  161,  168,  195, 

216,  256,  304. 
Pritchard,  190. 

Procter,  4,  26,  39,  50,  65,  107,  179,  192,   213, 
237,  249,  259,  275,  291,  307. 
,  Proctor,  113,  116,  134,  150. 
Prout,  17,  34,  45,  58,  189. 
Provence,  211. 
Providence,  239,  2S0. 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  98,  180, 

185,  203,  238,  262. 
Pulling,  295. 
Pyncheon,  275,  308. 

Quincy,  29,  110,  112,  119,  127, 128, 129,  167, 
172,  177, 196,  204. 

Ramar,  211. 

Rand,  1,  2,  27,  38,  40,  46, 53,  54,  63,  77,  78,  86, 

88,  111,  113,  172,  177,  183,  193,  211,  245, 

287 
Ray,  5,  35,  67,  138,  170,  191,  210,228,  248,  270, 

285,  294. 
J  Raymand,  294. 
}  Raymond,  79,  246. 
Rea,  188. 

Read,  9,  23,  34,  56. 
(  Renken,  35. 
I  Renkin,  81-  157. 
Rhode  Island,  85,  221,  222,  239,280,  282,  292. 

305. 
Rhodes,  2S3,  295. 
Richards,  6,41,  68,81,109. 
Richardson,  3,  226,  249. 
(  Ridgaway,  29,  133,  157,  211,  233. 
)  Ridgway,  284. 
River  Neponsit,  213,  222,  223. 
Roberts,  65,  211. 
Roby,  5,  6,  44,  67. 
Roger,  190. 
Rogers,  3,  29,  64,  78,  108,  192,   207,  229,  245, 

269. 
Ropewalk  Barton's,  51. 

Harrisons  116. 
j  Roulston,  62,  65. 
}  Roulstone,  37,  64. 
Rouse,  95. 

Rowe,  28,  236,  269,  284,  292,  295,  296,  309. 
Ruddock,  6,  35,  38,  80,  104, 114, 138,  160, 172, 

192,  200,201,  202,  211,  231,  232,  243,  249, 

271,  276,  287,  290,  298. 
Ruggles.  228,  248. 
Russell,  6,  7,35,  41,86,  109,  132,133,156,158, 

168,  170,  172,  189,  191,  192,  211,  232,  243, 

246,  251,  253,  254,  257,  270,  285,  294. 
Ryder,  170. 

Salem,  12,  100,  221,  239,  240,  280,  281. 

Salisbury,  67. 

Salter,  8,  11,  27,  40,  44,  50,  52,  63,  66,  68,  78, 
80,  81,  84,  94,  96,  107,  111,  119,  131,  133, 
135,  149,  154,  162,  168,  177,  188,  216. 
Sanders,  192,  229. 

{Sargent,  41. 
Sergeant,  109, 133,  171. 
Serjant,  81. 
Serjeant,  67, 157,  190. 
Sault,  54,  67,  81,109,  133.157,  171,  190,  209, 

228,  247. 
Savage,  3,  28,  30, 157,  171,  191,  194,  209,  229, 

284,  294. 
Savel,  80,  133, 157,  171,  190,  209,  254. 
School,  North  Gramer,  134,  135. 

Grammar,  1,  8,  10,  17,  34,  62, 
65,  73,94,119,149,162,  164, 
242,  259,  274,  276,  290,  292, 
307,  309. 


School,  North  Grammer,    177,  178,  196,  199, 

212,  216. 

Writing,    1,    3,    4,    10,     34,    65,    94, 

115,  116,   119,  149,  150,  102,  177, 

178,     179,     196,     199,    213,     216, 

243,  259,  274,   276,  290,  292,  307, 

309. 

South  Grammar,  1,  9,  17, 18,  34,  77, 

93,  94,  162,  242,  243,  259,  274,  275, 
276,  290,  291,  307,  309. 

Grammer,  119, 134,  149, 174,  177, 178, 

196,  199,  212,  213,  216,  292. 
Latin,  147,  173. 
Writing,  9,  17,  18,  34,  62,  75,  77,  82, 

94,  119,  149,  162,  177,  178,  179, 
199,  212,  213,  216,  230,  233,  260, 
276,  292,  309. 

The  Latin,  143. 

The  Writing,  46,  51,  94,  119,  149,  162, 
177,  178,  179,  196,  212,  216,  234, 
237,  243,  259,  261,  274,  275,  276, 
290,  291,  202,  307,  309. 

{Scollay,  15S,  189, 190,  206,  209,  227,  229,  244, 
247,  248,  267,  268,  270,   276,  282, 
284,  287,  292,  293,  295,  296,  300, 
320. 
Scolley,  7,  84,  109,  133, 172. 
Sconce,  The,  43,  51,  73,  74,  91. 
Scott,  134,  157,  229,  245. 
Scottow,  67. 
Scudder,  269. 

Scutt,  204,  211,  232,  243,  249,  271,  287,  298. 
Sears,  66,  SO,  202,  285. 
Sellon,  86. 
Sergeant,   ) 

Serjant,      J  see  Sargent. 
Serjeant,    ) 
Service,  7,  30. 
Bewail,  9,  22,  29,  93,  102  149,  154,  177,   198, 

216,  225,  256,  275,  288,  292,  308. 
Shaw,  109,  252. 

Sheafe,  5,  20,  29,  33,  70,  71,  72,  73. 
Sheaff,111,117. 
Sheaffe,  110,  112,  117. 
Shed,  271. 
Shepard,  207,  211. 
Sherburn,  34,  200,  256. 
Sherburne,  101,  162,  226,   228,  245,  268,  281, 

283. 
Sherman,  247. 
Shirley,  9,  98,  106,  121,  122,  123,  124,  127,  130, 

260,  261,  262,  264,  265,  279. 
Sigourney,  7,  269. 

{Simmes,  210. 
Simms,  191. 
Symes,  294. 
Symmes,  81,  109,  136,  156, 170,  227,  245,  246, 
269,  285. 
Symms,  133. 
Simpkins,  5,  8,  2S7. 
Simpson,  6,  7,  29,  37,  66,  79,  132,  171, 188,  191, 

228,269,283,295. 
Skilling,  64. 
Skinner,  8,67,  81. 
Smibert,  135. 
Smith,  110,  133,  170,  178,  183,  184,  247,  268, 

285,  295. 
Snelling,  202,  207. 
Snow,  228,  230,  286. 
Snowden,  8. 
Southack,  154. 
Soutbouck,  136. 
Speakman,  28. 

Spear,  246,  269,  285,  293,  297. 
Spooner,  16S,  202,  309. 
Sprague,  35. 
Square,  Pock,  10,  18,  209,  213,  214,  215. 

Still  House,  37,  52,  274. 
Staniford,  4,  20,  22,  29,  33,  35,  36,  50,  68,  70, 
71,72,73,  75,  77,  88,94,  95,  101, 
114,  153,  177. 
Stayner,  249. 
St.  Christophers,  26. 


Index  of  Names. 


337 


(Steel,  2,  10,  20,  27,  33,  34,  43,  50,  52,  63,  77, 
73,  94,  95,  103,   104,  107,  119,  124, 
131, 145,  149,  154,  155, 162,  168,  177, 
187,  1SS,  205,  216,  21S,  225,  236. 
Steele,  73,  74,  179,  244,  274,  276,  291,  309. 
Stevens,  4,  202. 
Stewall,  216. 

Stoddard,  1,  40,  66,  SO,  161, 172,  209,  269,  285. 
Storer,  29,  64,  78,  108,  131,  149,  155,  169,  189, 

205,  226,  245,  256,  268,  282,  293. 
Story,  4,  69,  79,  207,  299,  319. 
Stow,  245. 

Stream  Mill,  196,  202. 
Street,  Anne,  250. 

Atkinson,  112,  113. 
Beacon,  27,  37,  250. 
Brattle,  164. 
Hanover,  207,  258,  259. 
Hawkins,  37,  52. 
King,  150. 
Lynn,  202. 
Middle.  223. 
Milk,  77,  90,  96,  112. 
Moon  Court,  254. 
OraDge,  208. 
Pleasant,  218. 

Purchase,  46,  48,  51,  76, 116. 
Queen,  10,  34,  65,  73,  94, 119,  149, 162, 
177,  178,  179,   180,   196,   199, 
212,  216,  234,  237,  245,   258, 
259,   261,   274,  475,  276,  290, 
291,  292,  307,  309. 
School,  145,  146,  147,  163. 
Sconce,  51. 
Ship,  276. 

Sudbury,  26,  37,  45,  52. 
Summer,  51. 
Treamount,  204. 
Union,  94. 
Water,  113,  116,  118,  125,  136,  151,164, 

166,  252,  299,  300. 
Winter,  26,  36,  39. 
Stukely,  247. 
Sturgis,  64. 
Sumner,  192. 
Surcomo,  108. 
Sweetser,  81. 
Hwinnerton,  26,  39,  50. 
Symes, 

Symmes,  \  see  Simmes 
Symms, 


I  Tayler,  67. 

(  Taylor,  35,  80,  91, 149,  294. 

(Thacher.  79,    133,  231,  271,  273,  292,  296, 

]         297,  299,  309,  319. 

(  Thatcher,  157. 
Thayer,  2,  35,  87, 110, 133,  205,  207,  229,  248, 

270,  286,  293,  294. 
Thomas,  7,  35,  41,  06,  67,  68,  81,  109,  133, 157, 

171,207. 
Thompson,  267,  308. 
Thornton,  7,35,  67. 

Thwing,  2,  7,  35,  113,  158,  171,  189,  194,  200, 
227,  248,  268,  278,  281,  284. 

(Tilden,  29,118,  165. 

\  Tilcston,  7, 30,  80,  170,  190,  228,  298. 

(  Tilestone,   67,  132,  156,  170,  210,  228,  248, 

269,  285,  294,  298. 
Til  ley,  45,  53. 
Ting,  86. 
Todd,  171,  211. 
Tolman,  64. 
Torrcy,  86,   88,  190,  207,  219,  228,  247,  252, 

Towle,'227,  285. 

Towneend,  154, 171, 191,  214,  285. 

Trail,  170. 

Training  Field,  The,  111,  326. 

Treat,   132,  171,  190,  209,  228,  246,  269,  285, 

297. 
Trench,  170. 
Trott,  233. 


Tuckcrman,  86, 170,  261. 

Tudor,  44,  200,  205,  206,  226,  231,  245,  256, 
268,  290,  293. 

Tyler,  3,  6,  29,  64,  78,  89,  91,  95,  108,  119, 131, 
155,157,169,170,  171,  189,  191,  196, 
200,  206,  214,  216,  220,  226,  227,  247, 
251,  265,  268,  273,  283,  234,  293,  295, 
296,  297,  307,  320. 

Tyng,  56,  107,  131,  136,  145,  148,149,  154,  161, 
163, 176,  195,  215,  266,  271,  272,  277, 
284,  289,  305. 

Usher,  86. 

Vans,  104,  106, 145. 

Vergoose,  41,  68,  81,  109,  133,  156,170,190, 
191,  209,  210,  227,  246,  269,  286, 
292. 
Vial,  80. 
Vinal,  307. 
Vincent,  285,  295. 
Vinteuon,  6,  41,  64,  67. 
Virbert,  108. 

J  Virginia,  239. 

\  Virginnia,  280. 


Wadsworth,  3,  17,  19,  29,  50,  52,  68,  71,  75, 
79,  101,  110,  119,  120,  123,  132,  149,  151, 
155, 161,  165,  169,  174,  182,  183. 
Wakefield,  104. 

Waldo,  9,  112, 161,  192,  205,  270,  2S6,  294. 
Wales,  192,  270,  294. 

Walker,  3,  29,  40,  64,  78, 94, 108, 131,  135, 149, 
155, 169,  189,  200,  205,  211,  226,  245,  243, 
256,  265,  268,  2S2,  293,  296. 
Walley,  58,  60,  78, 105,  107,  118, 119, 121, 128, 
173,  178,  183,  184,  217,  232,  251,  252,  253, 
254,  288. 
Wallis,  64,  70, 139,  211,  228. 
I  Wardel,  300. 

t  Wardell,  1,  8,  35,  101, 125,  174. 
Warden,  67,  68,  80,  81,  108,  109,  133,  156,  210, 

228,  248, 285. 
Warland,  295. 
Watch,  Merchants,  46, 51. 
Waterhouse,  226,  245. 
Waters,  109,  133,  164, 192,  230,  248. 
Watertown,  100,  221,  239,  280. 
Watt,  111,  137,  188,  214. 
Watts,  195. 
Wehb,  2,  5,  8,  62,  67. 
Wellsted,  208,  216. 

Welch,  4, 113, 138,  153,  173, 175,  207,  248,285, 
294. 
Welles,  23,  24,  25,  56,  58,  60,  72,  79,  83,  88, 
89,  92,  93,  95,  100, 102,  103, 104,105, 106, 
122,  127,  135, 149,  1G7,  174,  178, 183, 184, 
193,  206,  208,  213,  216,  217,  220,  229,231, 
232,  236,  255,  258, 279,  2S9,  292,  305. 
(.Wells,  6,  37,  166,  207,  208,  283,  284. 
Welsteed,  44,  93,  149,  177,  187. 
Wendell,  3,   17,  29,  32,   33,  51,  52,  64,  77,  78, 
83,  88,  92,  93,  95,  103,  108,   119,  120,  131, 
135,  136, 147,  149,  155,  168,  169,  173,  176, 
189,  195,  201,  205,  207,  216,  225,  220,  229, 
231,  245,  255,  267,  268,  273,  274,  282,  293. 
Weutworth,  174,  175,  197,  283,  289. 
West,  154,  233. 
Wharf,  Hills,  103. 
Old,  42. 
Welles's,  103. 
Wharff,  Long,  92. 
Wharffe,  Anstram's,  125. 
Oheuver's,  103. 
Clark's,  92, 103. 
Griffin's,  103.  • 

Hubbard's,  103. 
Jones,  103. 
Long,  103, 150. 
Marion's,  103. 
Scarlet's,  158. 
Town's,  125. 
Wendell's,  91, 103. 


338 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Wheeler,  138,  143, 158, 171,  228,  232,  234,  247, 

269,  295. 
Wheelwright,  10,  54,  75,  102,  134,  151,  161, 

174,  182,  194,  195,  197,  212,  216,227,  251, 

276,  284,  295. 
White,  1,  3,  6,  8,  89,  41,  62,  65,  68,  69,  71,  73, 

74,  77,  78,  81,  83,  84,  88,  89,  92,  95,  103, 

104,  109,  111,  113,  117,  133,  151,  158,  160, 

166,  172,  177,  189,  209,  227,  246,  268,  269, 

2S4,  285,  283, 294,  297,  306. 
Whitehall,  22. 
Whiting,  110, 154. 
Whittemore,  5, 171. 
Whitwell,  86. 
Wigglesworth,  245. 
Witlard,  64,  128,  130, 161,  275. 
Williams,  27,  30,  33,  35,  41,  44,  67,  73,  75,  79, 

80,  81,  109,  133,  135,  189,  194,  200,  233, 

248,  274,  278. 


Willis,  35,  39,  63. 

Williston,  37,  38,  64. 

Willoughby,  10,  26,  31,  55,  66,  72,  74,  75. 

Wilson,  35,  67,  109,  157,  172. 

Winship,  157. 

Winslow,  4,   10,  34,   75,  102,   110,  149,   151, 

158,   161,    173,   189,   210,    212,    218,    231, 

246,    248,    257,  267,    270,   276,   281,  286, 

294,   309. 
Winter,  7,  35,  79,  132,  171,  208. 
Winthrop,  36. 
Wiswall,  1,  8,  17,  18,  134,  178,  199,  212,  246, 

259,  274,  290,  307. 
Wiswell,  242. 


York,  240,  281. 
Young,  35, 136,  164. 


INDEX  OF  PLACES  AND  SUBJECTS. 


Abbreviations:  h.  house;  I.  land;  w.h. 


Ablutions  in  public,  complaint  of,  318,  329. 
Accounts,  auditing  of  Treasurer's,  10, 19,  20, 
50,  54,  75,  110,   120, 
152,158,174,211,212, 
225,227,251,254,273, 
276,291,292,296,297. 
lotteries,  320. 
batteries,  58,  77. 
selectmen's,  198. 
granaries,  10,  75, 191. 
Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
10,19,  50,  54,75,102, 
110, 152, 174,  225, 226, 
227,251,254,276,291, 
292,  296,  297. 
Admiralty,  Lords  Commissoners  of  the,  219. 
Agents,  57. 

choice  of,  to  represent  the  Province 

at  London,  184,  265. 
instructions  to  be  drawn  up  for,  184, 

265. 
papers,  etc.,  transmitted  to,  265. 
Albany,  agreement  of  commissioners  at,  266. 
Aliens.    {See  Foreigners,  or  aliens.) 
Almshouse,  37, 198,  199,  254,  302. 

loan  for,  authorized,  183. 
accounts  of  10,  19, 50,  54,  75, 102, 
110,  152,  174,  225,  226,227,251, 
273,276,291,292,296,297. 
{See  also  Workhouse.) 
America,  219. 

North,  181. 
Anne  street,  250. 
Arms,  presented  to  the  town,  68. 
Arrack,  tax  on.     {See  Tax.) 
Artillery  company,  the,  taxes  of,  to  be  re- 
mitted, 177.     {See also  Taxes.) 
Assembly  or  General  Court,  11, 12, 16, 22,  27, 
30,  31,  43,  44,  45,  46,  47,  49,  50, 
57,  71,  72,  74,  76,  83,  93,  95,  97, 
98,  100,    102,  115,  117,  148,  153, 
161,  177,  178,  180,  181,  182,  183, 
184,  185,  186,  187,  194,  203,  207, 
213,  215,  217,  220,  222,  223,  234, 
236,238,241,  250,  255,  258,  261. 
263,  266,  272,  273,  275,  277,  278* 
288,  290,  296,  300,  301,  302,  304, 
308. 
reference  to  memorial  of  1735,  12, 

90-6,  98,  183. 
memorial  to  be  presented  to,  178, 
180-81,  185,  187,  203,  220-22,  234, 
23S,  275,  279,  280,  301. 
Assessors,  19,  20,  21,  44,  46,  48,  70,  71,  114, 
151,  177,  184,  193,  200,  203,  208, 
254,  268,  275,  283,  298,  302,  307. 
appointed,  5,  6,  35,  04,82,110. 132, 
155,  173,  174,  189,  210,  228,  246, 
257,  286,  297. 
to  t-it  upon  abatements,  20,  34,  35, 
72,  73,  77,  89,  90,  111,  112,  137-8, 
158,  160,  174,  193,  212,  218,  230, 
249,  271-2,  2S7,  298-9. 
books,  33 ,  40,  4 1 ,  42,  45,  46,  61 ,  69, 
70,  89,114,  138,151,156,178,191, 
210,  231,  249,  271,  286-7,  298. 
suit  between,  and  Oliver    et  al., 
263,  297,  308. 
Atkinson  street,  112, 

bounds  of,  112. 


Bakers,  280. 

regulating  of,  2.  {See  also  Tradesmen.) 
Ballot-boxes,  212. 
Barton's  Ropewalk,  51. 
Batteries,  44,  46,  48,  49,  88,  89,  90,  91,  101. 

encroachments  on  lands,  27,  33,  32, 

33, 
to  be  erected,  44. 

within  twelve  months, 
39,  43. 
repairs  of,  42,  43,  91. 
accounts  of  builders  of,  to  be  au- 
dited, 58,  77. 
Battery,  south,  51,  91,  92,  101,  278-9. 

lands,  27,  31,  32,  33,  116,  274. 
repairs  of,  43,  73,  77,  S3, 
north,  42,  48,  49,  78,  83,  92,  95,  103, 
179,  182,  274. 
captain  of  the,  179. 
stores  for,  182. 
Beacon  street,  27,  37. 

abutters  on,  250. 
Beef.     {See  Trade,  imports.) 
Beef  hides,  and  tallow,  etc.,  222,  229,  239,280. 
sold  in  Faneui  1  market, 
monies  for,  141, 158-9. 
Bells,  ringing  of,  4,  25, 26, 45,  49, 62, 65,  69,  73, 
75, 138, 164,  173, 198,  208, 
227,  229,  272,  288,  317. 
allowance  for,  26,  38,  272. 
ringers,  petition  of,  37,  38,  272. 

allowance,  49,  272. 
tolling  of,  at  burials,  120,  121. 
the  passing-bell,  121. 
failure  to  ring,  as  notification  of  town 

meeting,  124. 

order  concerning  sleigh-bells,  313,  324. 

Bills,  of  credit  (old  tenor),  2,"~4,  8, 10, 17, 18, 19, 

21 ,  27, 28, 30,  31, 48,  50, 52, 59, 

63,65,  75,  77,  79,  82,  83,  101, 

104,  107,  113,   115,  116,  117, 

118,  120,  135,  136,  137,  142, 

151,  154,  159,  160,  164,  165, 

170,  175,  1S2,  187,  188,  234. 

(new  tenor)  77,  107,  163,  173, 

182. 
of  other    governments,    205, 
225,  226,  234-5,  244,  267,282, 
284,  292,  293,  305. 
of  the  last  emission,  126. 
Connecticut,  305. 
New  Hampshire,  305. 
Rhode  Island,  305. 
of  Exchange,  239,  280. 
Books.     {See  Records,  etc.) 
Boston,  1,  12,  16,  19,  22,  24,  26,  30,  32,  33,  34, 
41,  42,  43,  44,  48,  49,  50,  54,  56,  57,  58,  60, 
62,  70.  72,  75,  76,  85,  87,  92,  93,  98,  97,  9*, 
99,  100,  101,  102,  104,  105,  106,  114,  115, 
116,  117,  119,  120,  121,  122,  124,  126,  127, 
128,  130,  131,  135,  140,  142,  143,  144,  147, 
148,  151,  li,2,  153,  160,  101,  103,  166,  167, 
168,  173,  176,  178,  180,  181,  182,  184,  185, 
187,  190,  194,  195,  197,  202,  203.  204,  215, 
216,  217,  219,  221,  222,  223,  224,  225,  236, 
238,  239,  240,  241,  242,  243,  244,  252,  254, 
255,  250,  258,  200,  202,  203,  204,  200,  267, 
272,  274,  275,  277,  278,  279,  280,  281,  282, 
288,  292,  302,  304,  308,  310,  318,  319,  320, 
321,  330. 


340 


City  Document  No.   170. 


Boston  Neck.     (See  Neck,  the.) 
Boston  Weekly  Post  Boy,  (newspaper)  let- 
ters of  the  Governor  to  Sec.    Willard, 
128,  129. 
Boundaries      (See  Lands,  etc.) 
Bounties  for  inlistment,  296. 
Brattle  street,  paving  of  lanes    leading  to 

church  in,  164. 
Bread,  239.     , 
Breadstuffs,  10,  31,  75,  82,  111,  137,  159,  169, 

211,  230,  239,  247,  270,  280,  287,  296. 
Brick  or  lime  kilns,  law  concerning,  312,  323. 
Bridewell.     (See  House  of  Correction.) 
Bridge,  Oliver's,  125. 

swing,  to  rebuild,  139. 

over  "Neponset  river,  213,  222,  223, 

224. 
draw,  223. 

in  Middle  street,  223. 
Bristol,  100. 
Brorofield's  lane,  145. 
Building,  petition  to  erect,  137,  196. 
permit  to  remove,  147. 
erected,  162. 
Bulls,  town.    (See  Cattle.) 
Burial-places,  257,  264. 

petition  concerning  burial  of 
strangers  and  negroes,  45, 53. 
(See  also  Sextons,  etc.) 
to  be  provided  at   the  south 

part  of  the  town,  62. 
south,  64,  137,139. 

digging  graves,  64,  65. 
crowded   condition    of, 
257. 
price  for  digging  graves  to  be 

fixed,  120. 
King's  Chapel,  136,   145,   146, 
237,  242. 
bodies  in,  to  be 
removed, 146. 
monuments  in, 
\  146. 

on   the  Common,  boundaries 

of,  152. 
old  burying-place,  173. 

tombs  builded  in, 
173. 
burials,  to  better  regulate,  86, 
120, 121. 
Butchers.     (See  Trade.) 
By-laws.     (See  Orders,  town.) 


Cadets,  company  of,  bill    granting  certain 

liberties  to,  to  prevent,  258. 
Cambridge,  251,  253,  283. 

general  court  held  at,  223. 
Cape  Briton  (Breton),  56,  68,  72,  83,  84,  85, 
122. 
island  of,  governor  of,  118, 122. 

sea  coal  from,  118,  122, 
124. 
Carts,  trucks,  etc.     (See  Truckage  and  Cart- 

Casco  Bay,  240,  281. 
Castle,  the,  91, 129. 

Island.     (See  also  Fortifications.) 
William.     ( See  Castle,  the.) 
Catholics  within  the  town  to  be  subject  to 
surveillance,  103,  105. 
vote  on  law  concerning,  105. 
Cattle,  229,  231,  316. 

agreement  for  purchase  of,  141, 144. 
purchase  and  support  of,  198. 
at  large,  316,  326-27. 
Channel,  the,  hulks  of  vessels  to  be  purchased 
and  sunk  in,  in  case  of  attack  on  town, 
78,  91, 92,  102. 
Charities,  222,  240,  281. 
Charlestown,  100,  251,  253,  280. 

distilleries,  221,  239. 
Chelsea,   Township    of,    purchase   of  land 
called  Pullin  Point,  236. 


Chimneys,  concerning,  27,  38,  45,  53,  54,  63, 
217,   258,   290,   310, 
321,  322. 
sweepers  of,  310,  321- 
22. 

allowance, 
310. 
surveyors  of,  310. 
China,  tax  on.     (See  Tax.) 
Christ  Church,  cleansing,  etc.,  of  the  clock 

upon,  173. 
Clocks, 

on  Christ  church,  cleansing,  etc.,  of, 
173. 
Coaches,  chariots,  chaises,  etc.,  tax  on.    (See 

Tax.) 
Codfishery.     (See  Fisheries.) 
Cofl'ee,  tax  on.     (See  Tax.) 
Commerce.     (See  also  Trade.) 
Commissioners  of  the  several  governments. 

(See  Albany.) 
Common,  the,  27, 140,  208,  315-16,  327. 
rails  (fencing),  27,  37. 
herbage  of,  to  be  preserved, 

27   37   315. 
Fox' hill  on',  45,  53,  77,  89,  90, 

101, 218. 
powder-house    on,    178,    208, 

290. 
proposition  to  fence  in  certain 

part  of,  111. 
training  field,  111,316,  326. 
burying-ground  on,  139,   152, 

262. 
cattle  on,  231,  316,  326-27. 
road  adjoining  lands  in,  peti- 
tion for,  257. 
nuisances  on,  to  prevent,  315- 

16,  326. 
school  on,  46, 51,  77,  82, 94, 119, 
149,  178,  233,  243,  260,  274, 
260,  307. 
marsh  at  bottom  of,  63,  179, 

208,214,217-18,224. 
gunhouse  on,  90,  163-4. 
Common  sewer.     (See  Drains.) 
Companies.     (See  Corporations.) 
Concord,  court  at,  215. 
Connecticut,  85. 
Connecticut,  distilleries,  239. 

bills  of  credit  on,  282  292,  305. 
(See  also  Bills.) 
Coopers.     (See  Tradesmen.) 
Corn.     (See  Breadstuffs.) 
Corporations :  — 

India,  East,  and  Turkey  Com- 
pany, 180-1. 
Linen       Manufactory     Com- 
pany, 234,  235. 
trade     between,    and    Boston, 
greatly  decreased,  222,  280. 
Council,  members  of,  3D,  43,  87,  97,  98,  103, 
104,105,106,127,180, 
185,203,220,223,238, 
279,  301. 
complaint  against  action  of,  77,  79., 
84,  87. 
County  sheriff.     (See  Suffolk  county.) 
Court,  General.     (See  Assembly.) 

Superior,  3,  11,  32,  75,  166,  212,  252, 

278,  292,  298,  308. . 
Inferior,  11,  75,  183,  212,  257,  292,  298. 
of  general  or  quarter  sessions,  30,  49, 
50,  68,  79,97,  104,  105,  112,  121,  126, 
169,  180,  181,  183,  188, 189,  213,  224, 
230,  231,  241,  246,  254,  258,  268,  284, 
292,  294,  298,  319,  330. 
of  Assize,  32. 
of  Record  (pro  tern.),  49. 
house,  97. 

rebuilding,  1S5. 
consumed  by  fire,  186. 
repairs  of,  203. 
Cow  lane,  116. 


Index  of  Places  and  Subjects. 


341 


Cowkeepers,  appointed,  8,  36,  81,  109,  132, 
156,   171,  1S9,  210,  228,  248, 
286,  295. 
allowance,  316,  327. 

Cryers,  town,  appointing,  318,  329. 

Dassett's  lane,  164. 

Deer,  law  for  the  preservation   of,  informers 
against  breach  of,  8,  36,  67,  81,  W9,  132, 
156,  172,  190,  210,  228,  247,  270,  286,  294. 
Deer  Island,  lease  of,  236-7. 
Diseases,  infectious  and  epidemical,  76,  220- 
21,  234,  238. 
to  prevent  spread  of,  120. 
nurses,  physicians,  etc., 

employed,  220. 
necessaries  provided,  220. 
(See  also  Hospitals.) 
Distilleries  and  distilling,  12, 100,  221,  238-9, 

280. 
Dock,  the,  land  at,  sale  of,  237. 

lease  of,   1,   10,  155,  162, 

163,  165,  213. 
petition  to  erect  shop  on 
137. 
watch  at  (called  Merchants'),  46, 

51. 
shops  nest,  86,  88,  90,  305-6. 
head  of,  to  be  filled  in,  94,  125,  309. 
market  (fish)  at  head  of,  196. 
Dock  Square,  203,  'J13,  215. 

land  at  head  of,  10. 

and  busldings  on,  18. 
encumbered  by  carts,  etc.,  214. 
Dorchester,  petition  of  town  of,  respecting 
bridge  over  Neponset  river, 
223,  224. 
repairs  of,  223. 
Drains,  96,  166. 

(common  sewer),  90. 
(See  also  under  the  several  streets.) 
Driving,  fast,  313-14. 
Duties  on  various  articles.     (See  Tax.) 

Emigration  to  the  South,  181. 

Engine,  water.    (See  Fires.) 

England,  181. 

Esses  county,  240,  2S1. 

Estates.     (See  Polls  aval  Estates.) 

(Also,  Lands,  buildings,  etc.) 
Europe,  12. 
Escise.     (See  Tas.) 
Excise  Bill,  or  Act,  262, 275,  277. 

(See  also  Tax.) 

Falmouth,  210,  281. 

Faneuil  hall,  1,  17,  22,  26,  27,  41,  44,  48,  52, 
•  54,  56,  58,  61,  62,  70,72,  76, 
87,  92,  96,  97,  102,  106,  114, 
121,  124,  126,  127,  128,  130, 
131,  143,  144,  148,  153,  154, 
160,  106,  167,  168,  176,  185, 
ISO  187,  194,  202,  204,  215, 
224,  225,  236,  243,  244,  260, 
26:;,  265,  266,  267,  272,  278, 
279,  232,  2S8,  292,  304,  319. 
portraits  in,  201,  264. 

Faneuil  market,  1,  4,  17,  19,  20,  22,  50,  58,  60, 

80,  83,90,94,  lul,  110,  120, 
121,  125,  137,141,  155,  159, 
182,  201,  209,213,  214,  225, 
227,  '-29,235,260,  271,297, 
805,  316. 

(See  a tso  Market.) 
choice  of  clerk  for,  4,  36,  08, 

81,  142,  159,  172,  191,229, 
232,  235,  251,  286,  297,  298. 

regulation  of,  4,  5,  19,  20, 

142,  144,   153,   159,  316-17, 

327-28. 
hell  at,  4, 69, 1*4,  317, 327-28. 
proposition  to  close,  94, 114, 

115,  132,  135,  140,  200,  208, 

217,  224-5. 


Faneuil  market,  lease  of  stalls  in,  229,  317, 

328. 
Faneuil,  Peter,  proposition  to  erect  arms  of, 

in  Faneuil  hall,  26,  36,  37. 
Fees,  26. 

Ferry  way  street  (so  called),  197,  202. 
Fines  and  forfeitures,   concerning,  1,  2,  27, 
28,  46,49,  63,  72,  77,  78,^79,  85,  97, 
107,  120, 121,  126,  138,  148,  156,  197, 
205,  211,  226,  231-2,  235,  244,  249,  251, 
256,  267,  271,  273,  283,  287,  291,  293, 
296,  297,  298,  299,  311,  312-14,  310- 
19,  321-30. 
not  otherwise  appropriated  to  go  to  the 
poor,  31S-19,  329. 
Fire,  water  engines  at  South  End,  26,  227, 
230. 
men,  1,  3,  230. 

premium  for  services,  3,  26,  30. 
buckets,  27. 
town  house  consumed  by  (1711),  186. 

again  in  1747,  186. 
of  1690,  petition  to  be  reimbursed  for 

house,  257. 
concerning  bonfires,  order,  311,  322. 
town  order  for  preventing  danger  by, 
310,  311,  321-22. 
relative  to  conveyance  of, 
in  streets,  311,  322. 
Fire-wards,  choice  of,  83,  84,  86,  109,  133,158, 
172,  18S,  206,  207,  227,  247,  268-9,  284, 
295. 
Fish.    (See  Trade,  Imports.) 
Fisheries,  99,  236. 

cod,  decrease  in,  12. 
fish,  sale  of,  196. 
( See  also  Trade.) 
Flour.    (See  Breadstuffs.) 
Foreigners  or  aliens,  127. 
Fort  hill,  101,  116, 142. 

howling  green  on,  1,  3,  5. 

land  on,  belonging  to  town,  139, 

142,  193,  200,  273-4. 
near,  taken  by  town,  320. 
Fortifications,  27,  39,  42,  43,  44.  46,  47,  4S,  49, 
77,  80,  82,  83,  8S,  89,  91,  92,  95,  102, 103, 
113,278. 
Fox  hill.     (See  Common,  the.) 
France,  reference  to  war  with,  98. 

subjects  of,  to  be  imprisoned,  104, 

105, 106. 
privateers  belonging  to,  56. 
incroachments  of  the  B'reneh,  261, 
262. 
French  war.     (See  France.) 
Funerals,  better  regulating  of,  120,  121. 
Furs  and  skins.     (See  Trade,  Imposts.) 

Gaol  (Jail),  10i,  105. 

Governor,  the,  87,  98, 102,  103,  104, 105,  106, 
123, 127,  128,  129,  130. 
(Lieut.-gov.),  301. 
complaint  against  action  of,  77,  79, 

84,  87. 
memorial   to,  concerning   French 

subjects,  106. 
address  to  be  presented  to,  261, 

262-3,  264. 
reply  to,  264. 
papers,  etc.,  transmitted  to  agents, 

265. 
letter  from,  121-22,  130. 
address  to,  260. 

to  Secretary  Willard,  128, 
129,  130. 
to,  123. 

portrait  of,  200-1. 
Grain,  11,  31,  75,  82,  111,  135,  137,  197,  209. 
committee  for  purchasing,  11,  40,  81, 
111,  137,  157,  172,  190,  209,  229,  248, 
270,  287,  290. 
price  of,  11,  40,  08,  81,  111,  157,  209, 

22",  287,  296. 
engrossment  of,  117. 


342 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Granaries,  2,  10,  11,  26,  31,  40,  55,  62,  66,  08, 
72,  74,  75,  81,  82,  111,  137,  357,  159,  165, 
169, 190,  191,  201,  209,  211,  229,  230,  247, 
248,  250,  270,  287,  296. 

Grave-diggers.  (See  Sextons,  and  Bell- 
ringers.) 

Green  lane,  1,  9. 

Guards,  order  to  the  commanding  officer  to 
return  list  of  names,  34. 

Hanover  street,  207,  258. 
Harbor,  the,  43. 

capture  of  French  privateer  in, 

56. 
soundingnear  Castle  William,91. 
Hatters.     (See  Tradesmen.) 
Harvard  College,  taxes  paid  for,  to  he  re- 
mitted, 177. 
Haverhill,  280. 

distilleries,  221. 
Haward  (Hayward.)     (See  Cowkeepers.) 
Hawkins  street,  37,  52. 
Hay,  market,  1,  8, 125,  300. 

weighing  of,  8,  9, 125,  126,  300,  317-18, 
328-29. 
engine  for,  101, 194,  328. 
at    South  end, 
125,126. 
to  prevent  engrossing,  301. 
hook  of  entries  of,  126,  318. 
Hemp  andFlax,  surveyor  of,  7,  36,  67,  81, 109, 
132, 156,  172,  190,  209,227,  246,  269,  284, 
294. 
Hogreeves.     (See  Swine,  regulating  of. 
Hollis-street  Church  (Rev.  Mr.  Byles'),  37, 
227,  230,288.  (See  also  Meeting-houses.) 
Horn  alley,  90,  96. 

Hospitals,  proposition  to  turn  private  house 
into,  76. 
town  to  prevent  such  a  step,  76. 
(See  also  Disease,  infectious.) 
House  of  Correction,  proposition  to  purchase, 
for  a  mad  house,  77, 
89.  (See  also  Insane.) 
whipping  of  slaves  at, 
319. 
Hudson's    Point,    highway   from,    to     mill 
stream,  196-7,  202. 

Idle  and  disorderly  persons,  influx  of,  239-40. 
India,  East,  aud  Turkey  companies,  130-1. 

(See  also  Corporations.) 
Indian  corn.     ( See  Breadstuffs.) 
Indians,  97,  262. 

Eastern,  depredations  of,  261. 
Innholders  and  retailers  of  strong  drink,  220. 
Insane,  198. 

hospital  for,  to  purchase  Bridewell 

for,  77,  89: 
subscription  to  purchase  house  for, 
101.  See  also  House  of  Correction.) 
Ireland,  great  demand  for  rum  in,  12. 

Jamaica,  (Island  of.) 

concerning  supplies  of  rum  at,  12. 
Jerseys,  tbe,  280. 
Justices,  97,  104,  106,  121,  235,  256. 

failing  to  pay  in  fines,  to  prosecute, 
257. 


King  street,  150. 

King's  Chapel,  135, 136, 140, 143, 144,  151 
242. 
rebuilding     of,      144. 
also    Meeting-houses 
Churches.) 
Lands  or  huildings,  town's,  98,  117, 136. 
142,  143,  155,  164, 
173,  ISO,  186,  187, 
4,  196-7,  200,  202, 
209,  217,  218,  224, 
235,  237,  242,  254, 
261,    213-4,    278, 
305,  315-16. 


237, 
(See 


139, 
166, 
193- 
208, 
234, 
258, 
299, 


Lands  or  huildings,  purchase  of,  258,  264. 
boundaries,  164, 208,  237, 
25«?   258 
at  the  dock,  1, 139, 162-3, 

232,  305-6,  309. 
on  the  Neck,  2, 11,63  66, 
166,  279,  2S3,  289,  306. 
in  Green  lane,  9. 
at  Fort  hill,  1,  3,  5, 139, 
142,  193,  200,  273-4,  278, 
320. 
the  flats,  200. 
leases  of,  5,  17,  39,  63,  66, 
139, 140,  155, 158,  162-3, 
165, 166,  174-5,  179,  208, 
213,  214,  218,  224,  232, 
234,  236-7,  250,  259,  261, 
305-6. 
rents,  19,  31, 100, 135,  211, 
258. 
of  cellars  in  Court 
house,  186. 
ahout  and  near  Wheeler's 
Pond,  staked  out,  234, 
237. 
head  of  Dock  square,  10. 
formerly    at   the    North 

market,  31. 
land  tendered  town   for 
public  street,  37,  45,  52. 
South  market,  39. 
at  South  battery,  27,31, 
32,  33,  274. 
North  battery,  274. 
encroachments  on,  17,  27, 

143. 
encumbrance  on,  113. 
plan  of,  to  be  taken,  17,  52. 
quit-rents  for,  17,  27, 139, 

140. 
Dock  square,  10,  18,  209, 

213,  214. 
in  vicinity  of  Wheeler's 

Pond,  18,  62,  65. 
claims  on,  18,  22,  23,24,25, 
26,32,217,219,235,251- 
2,  253,  254. 
*    quit-claim,  300. 
the  Common,  road  adjoin- 
ing, petition  for,  257. 
on  Purchase  street,  46,  51. 
plans  of  all  rights  to,  to 
be  hung  up  in  Faneuil 
hall,  17,  52. 
marsh  lands  on  Common,  63, 179,  208, 
217-18. 
houndaries,  218. 
to  improve,«63,  158. 
lease  of,  158. 
Fox  hill  (on  Common),  77,  89,  90. 
burial-place,    boundaries    (on    Com- 
mon), 152. 
eastward  of  King's  Chapel,  136,  143, 

144,  145,  146,  147. 
sale  of,  authorized,  136. 
near  Windmill  point,  139, 142. 
warehouses  on,  to  improve,  139. 
south  end  of  town,  139. 
land  exchanged,  144-5,  146-7. 
land  and  marsh  on  the  Neek,  66,  158. 

lease  of,  158. 
deeds  of,  116,  237,  264. 
conveyance  of,  145,  146. 
cellar  (in  School  street),  lease  of,  163. 
House  (town),  built  in  1657,  186. 
wooden  shops  north  side  of  Faneuil 
market,  80,  88,  90,  305. 
open  dock,  nuisance,  305. 
offer  of  land,  to  straighten  Pudding 
lane,  88. 
desired  in  exchange,  116. 
desire  to  purchase,  116,  125, 136,  151, 
320. 
boundaries,  116. 


Index  of  Places  and  Subjects. 


343 


Lands  or  buildings  :  Owners  — 

Allen,  James,  b.,  118, 1.,  139. 
Allen,  Jeremiah   (late),  h., 
250. 

Anstram, ,  whf.,  125. 

Atkins,  Henry,  et  al.,  1.,  236. 

Barrett, ,  1.,  9. 

Bass, ,  1.,  116. 

Beighton,  James,  b.,  118. 

Bell, ,  1.,  274. 

Billings, ,  b.,  117. 

Bromfield,  Edward,  b.,  118. 
Bulfinch, ,  h.,  9. 

Cheever, ,  whf.,  103. 

Clark, ,  whf.,  103. 

Clough, ,  h.,  208. 

Craister,  Gapt. ,  h.,  208. 

Deblois,  Gilbert  and  Lewis, 

1.  and  h.,  258. 
Dolbeare,   John   (late),    h., 

232iJ32f-242. 
Dirpeejlsaac,  1.,  254. 
Dupee,  John,  b.,  118. 

Edmands,  Capt.  Benj.  (late), 
1.,  208. 

Fitch,    Col.  Thomas  (late), 
b.,  113. 
heirs  of,  1.,  152,  218. 
Eurnass,    Jonathan     (late) , 
1.,  151, 164. 

Gardner,  Br.  Sylvester,  h., 

76. 

Gee, ,  1.,  197,  202. 

Gibbs, .,  1.,  143. 

Greene,  Thomas,  1.,  163. 
Greenleaf,  Samuel  (heirs  of) , 

1.,  164. 
Greenleaf,  Stephen,  1.,  111. 
Griffins, ,  whf.,  103. 

Harvy, ,  1.,  116. 

Hatch,  Col. ,  1.,  90,  96. 

Hill, ,  whf.,  103. 

Hubbard,    Joseph,    1.,    116, 

143,278,  whf.,  103. 
Hunt,  Alexander,  1.,  139, 142, 

193,  252,  h.,  200. 
Hunt,  John,  b.,  118. 

Johnson,  Henry,  1.,  163. 

Jones, ,  whf.,  103. 

Joyliff, ,  1.,  116. 

Kneeland,  Solomon,  1.,  254. 

Leverett,  John,  1.,  143. 


Haddocks, 
Marion,  — 


— ,  h.,  250. 
whf.,  103. 


Norton,  John,  b.,  118. 
Noyes,  Mrs.  Katherine,   b., 
118. 

Oliver,   Andrew,  h.,   76,  1., 

262,  264. 
Oliver,  Peter,  1.,  46,  51. 
Oxuard,  Thomas,  1.,  36. 

Phillips,  Gillam,  1.,  88. 

Bheaffe, ,  1.,  111. 

Sigourney,  1.,  274. 

Tilden,  Christopher,  b.,  118, 
1.,  252. 

Walley,  John,  b.,  118. 
heirs  of,  1.,  254. 


Lands  or  buildings  :  Owners  — 

Welles, ,  whf.,  103. 

Wells,  Capt. ,  w.  h.,  37. 

Wendell,  Col. ,  whf.,  91, 

103,  I.,  147. 
Wheeler,  William,  I.,  143. 
Winthrop,  Adam,  1.,  36. 
Laws,  decency,  sobriety,  etc.,  breach  of,  to 

be  punished,  31S,  329. 
Leather,  281. 

sealers  of,  7,  35,  40,  54,  67,   80,   87, 
108,  132,   156,  170,   190,  210,  228, 
248,  270,  2S5,  295. 
supply  of,  239. 
curriers,  99,  222,  252,  281. 
tanners,  99,  141,  222,  252,  280,  281. 
(See  also  Tradesmen.) 
Letters,  45,  47,  48. 

reference  to,  from  Christopher  Kilby 

and  Eliakim  Palmer,   concerning 

suit  with  Francis  &  Jones,  42,  44, 

47. 

to  Christopher  Kilby  and  executors 

of  Eliakim  Palmer,  241. 
to  the  agents  (Kilby  and  Palmer), 

56,  57. 
to  Agent  Bollan,  265. 

Gov.  Shirley,  262-3. 
from  Gov.  Shirley,  264. 

'  Gov.  Knowles,  122. 
to  Gov.  Knowles,  118, 124. 
from  Alexander,  Lord  Colvill,  219. 
from  the  Gov.  to  Sec.  Willard,  128, 
129,  130. 
Limes,  lemons,  and  oranges,  tax  on.     (See 

Tax.) 
Linen  Manufactory  Company,  234,  235.     (See 

also  Corporations.) 
Liquors,  etc.,  excessive  sale  of,  to  prevent, 

216,  219-20. 
London,  12,  21,  26,  42, 184,  241,  265. 
Long  lane,  273. 

Long  wharf,  92.     (See  also  Wharves.) 
Lord's  Day,  126,  144,  317. 

concerning  travel  upon,  11. 
preaching  at  the  workhouse  on, 

150. 
driving  upon,  313. 
Negroes  and  Indians  abroad  on, 
315. 
Lotteries,  government,  72,  74,  75. 
tickets,  72,  74,  319-20. 
State,  279. 
Boston,  300,  320. 
Louisbourg,  124. 

garrison  at,  124. 

address    of    congratulation    to 
Gov.  Shirley  on  his  arrival 
from,  260-1. 
Lynn  street,  202. 

Magna  Charta,  85. 

Manners,   reformation  of,   consideration   for 

promoting,  288. 
Manufactures.'    (See  Trade.) 
Marblehead,  100,  240,  280,  231. 

fishing  interests  of,  12,  221. 
Market,  3,  4. 

at  North  end,  1,  4,  26,  31. 

South  end,  1,  4,  39. 
Fancuil,  1,  4,  17,  19,  20,  22,  50,  58, 
60,02,  86,  88,94,101,  110, 
114,   115,    120,   124,   125, 
137,   141,    155,   159,   182, 
201,   213,    214,   225,   227, 
229,   235,    260,   271,   297, 
305,  310-17,  327-28. 
regulations,  4,  5,   19,  20, 
142,  144,  153,  159,  316-17, 
327-2S. 
to  close,  94,  114,  115,  132, 
185,  140,  206,  208,  224-5. 
stalls  in,  to  lease,  229,  317. 
fish,  196. 


344 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Market,  hay,  1,  8,300. 

forestalling  the,  96, 132,135, 140, 141. 

142. 
loan  for  purchase  of  cattle  for,  141. 
beef,  hides,  and  tallow  sold  in,  141, 

158-9. 
regulating  sale  of  hay  and  sand,  196. 
■water  carriage  to  and  from,  223. 
clerks  of  the,  4,  5,  6,  7,  22,  35,36,  40, 
46,  48,  66,  SO,  81,  87,  91,  110,  120, 
133,141,  142,  157,  159,  171-2,  181, 
190,  191,  201,  207,  214,  229-30,  232, 
235,  248,  254,  260,  270,  271,  286,  294, 
297,  29S,  316-17,  327-28. 
Maryland,  239,  280. 

Massachusetts  Bay,  Colony  (or  Province)  of, 
98, 122,129, 160, 180, 181,185, 
203,  206,  217,  221,  222,  223, 
238,  239,  240,  248,  261,  262, 
264,  266,  275,  277,  280,  281, 
282,  292,  293,  296,  299,  301, 
303,  305. 
town-house   (1657)   used  by, 

186. 
reference   to  old  charter  of, 
206. 
Medford,  100,  280. 

distilleries,  221,  239. 
Meeting-houses  or  churches,  37,  281,  313. 

Old  North,  37,  62,  65, 198,  208, 

276. 
Old  South,  37,  62,  69,  73,  75, 

198. 
New  South,  37,  64. 
Hollis-street  church,  37,  227, 

230,  288. 
Old  brick  church,  38,  62, 198. 
New  brick  Church,  45,  49. 
King's  Chapel,  135,  136,  140, 
143, 144, 151, 
237,  242. 
rebuilding  of, 
144. 
on  Brattle  street,  164. 
Christ  church,  173. 
Dr.      Se  wall's.       (See     Old 

South.) 
Revs.  W.  Welsteed  and  Ellis 

Gray.     (See  Old  North.) 
Mr.    Byles'.       (See    Hollis- 
street  Church.) 
Middle  street,  bridge  in,  223. 
Middlesex  County,  240,  281,  283. 
Middletown,  distilleries,  239. 
Milk  street,  77,  90,  96. 

common  sewer  in,  90. 
Mill  pond,  37. 

stream,    highway   to,    from    Hudson's 
Point,  196-7,  202. 
Mills,  223. 

Milton,  bridge  at,  repairs  of,  223-24. 
Moon  court  street,  254. 

Nantucket,  100,  240,  280,  281. 

distilleries,  221,  239. 
Navigation .     (See  Trade . ) 
Negroes  and  Mulattoes,  53,  315,  326,  329-30. 
keeping  hogs,  to  prevent,  62, 

77,  91,  96-7. 
whipping  of  offending,  319,  329- 

30. 
riotous,  127, 193. 
idle,  loitering  in  the  street,  315, 
320. 
Neck,  the,  paving,  279,  300,  320. 

mending,  2,  11,  300,  320. 

lease  of  lands  on,  63,  66,  166,  174- 

5,  283,  289. 
fortification  on,  103. 
causeways  over,  223. 
Neponsit  (Neponse't)  river,  bridge  over,  213, 

222,223.     (See  also  Bridges.) 
New  Brick  Church,  45,  49.    (See  also  Meet- 
ing-houses.) 


New  England,  238,  240,  262,  280. 
New  Hampshire,  85,  239.  2S0,  282,  292,  305. 
New  London,  distilleries,  239. 
New  South  Church,  37.     (See  also  Meeting- 
houses.) 
New  York,  84,  239,  280. 

distillery  at,  221,  239,  280. 
Newbury,  100,  240,  230,  281. 

ship-buildim.'  at,  99,  221,  238. 
distilleries,  221,  239. 

of  molasses,  238. 
Newfoundland,  100,  280. 

distilling  trade  with,  221. 
Newhaven  (New  Haven),  distilleries,  239. 
Newport,  239. 
Newspapers.        (See    Boston  Weekly  Post 

Boy.) 
North  America.     (See  America,  North.) 
North  Carolina,  239,  280. 
North  End,  market  at,  1,  26. 

church  at  (New  Brick),  49. 
bells  at,  124. 
Norwich,  distilleries,  239. 
Nova  Scotia,  280. 

Oath,  refusal  to  take,  214. 

Oil,  train.     (See  Trade,  imports.) 

Old  Brick  Church,  38,  62,  69,  198.     (See  also 

Meeting-houses.) 
Old  North  Church,  37,  62,  65,  198,  208,  276. 

(See  also  Meeting-houses.) 
Old  South  Church,  37, 62,  64,  65,  69, 73,75,  198. 

(See  also  Meeting-houses.) 
Oliver's  dock,  118,  163,  165,  166,217,  219,  235, 
251-2,  253-4. 
filling  up  of,  165,  276. 
bridge,  125.     (See  also  Bridge.) 
Oliver's  lane,  116. 
Orange  street,  208. 

Oration,  Memorial,  Peter  Faneuil,  1,  2,  3,  14- 
16. 

entered  on  Records,  3. 
Orders,  town,  31,  125,  141-2,  310-30. 

revision  of  all  the,  174,   193, 
206,    271,    289,    304,   309-19, 
321-30. 
penalties    for  breach  of,  206. 

297,  310-19,  321-30. 
selectmen  to  determine   upon 

offences,  206. 
for  preventing  danger  by  fire, 

310,  311,  312,  321-22. 
concerning  bonfires,  etc.,  311, 
322. 
brick  or  lime-kiln, 
312,  323. 
warning  of  inhabitants  of  town- 
meetings,  55,  70, 124. 
concerning  the  guards,  34. 
law  to  execute,  45,  47,  49. 
streets,    digging   or   breaking 

up,  312-14,  323. 
concerning  chimnies,  290,  310, 
312,  321-22. 
sweepers,  310, 321- 
22. 
allowance,  310. 
to  be  printed,  319. 
regulating  carts,  etc.,  312-14, 

323-24,>25. 
fast  driving,  313-14,  324,  325. 
concerning  hucksters,  317,  328. 
erecting  buildings,  813. 
throwing  stones  or  snow-balls, 
or  other  missiles,  313-14, 315- 
16,  324,  326. 
concerning  vaults,  313,  324. 
sleigh-bells,  313,  324. 
regulating  swine,  313,  324. 
keeping  streets  clean,  314,  315, 

325-6. 
nuisance  on  the  Common,  to 

prevent,  315-16,  326. 
cattle  at  large,  316,  326-27. 


Index  of  Places  and  Subjects. 


345 


Orders,  town,  concerning  weighing  of  hay, 
125, 126,  317-18,  328-29. 
ahout    scavengers,     140,    314, 

315,  325-26. 

regulating  butchers,  141,  142. 
Negroes  and  Indians  (servants) 

idling  in  the  streets,  315,  326 . 
Negroes   and  servants   not  to 

purchase  provisions,  174. 
street   refuse,  299,  303-4,  312, 

314.  315. 
constables,  reelection  of,  66. 
keeping  of  hogs  by   negroes 

and  Indians,  97. 
closing  of  Faneuil  market,  114. 
concerning  funerals,  120,  121. 
concerning  millers,  248. 
regulating  the  market,  4,  5, 19, 

316,  317,  327-28. 

clerks  of  market  not  to  buy 
provisions   for   others,  297, 

317,  327. 

concerning  travel  on  the  Lord's 
Day,  11,  324. 

concerning  steelyards  in  mar- 
ket, 317,  328. 

concerning  town  criers,  318,329. 

laws  of  decency,  etc.,  breach 
of,  318,  329. 

public  bathing,  318,  329. 

concerning  wells,  cisterns,  etc., 

318,  329. ■ 

owners  held  responsible  for 
misdemeanors  of  their  slaves, 

319,  329. 

concerning  trees  on  the  Com- 
mon ,  315,  and  town  lands,  326. 
Ordnance,  32,   39,  42,  43,  56,  78,  83,  90,  91, 
92,  95,  103. 

Pensilvania  (Pennsylvania),  239,  280. 
Philadelphia,  distilleries,  221,  239. 
Pitch,  tar,  and  turpentine.     (See  Trade,  im- 
ports.) 
Pleasant  street,  218. 
Plymouth,  100,  240,  2S0,  281. 

fishing  interests  of,  12. 
distilleries,  221,  239. 
Polls  and  estates,  ratable,  13,  14,  100,  122, 
210,  279,  280,  302,  303. 
tax  levied  on,  19,  75,  151, 
165,   177,   197,   203,    216, 
242,  258,  274,  289,  307. 
valuation  of,   165,  258,  277, 
279,  281,  282,  303.     (See 
also  Taxes.) 
Poor,  274. 

appropriation  for,  19,  50,  75,  101,  119, 
151,  177,    197,  216,    222,    234,  237-8, 
242,  258,  307. 
fines  to  be  used  for,  97, 121. 
increase  of,  100,  222. 
purchase  of  wood  for,  111. 
tax,  239-40. 
list  of  names  of,  annually  exhibited  by 

overseers,  245,  246,  254. 

charges  of,  13,  281,  289,  302. 

Overseers  of,  89,  150, 151, 182,  197,  198, 

205,  211,  225,  235,  245, 

246,  251,  255,  273,  276, 

290,  291,  296,  298,  308, 

to  send  children  to  school, 

50. 
loans  from,  to  poor,  297-8, 
choice  of,  3, 29, 64, 78, 108, 
131,  155,109,188-9,-00, 
2U5,  225,  245,263,  282-3, 
293,  295. 
accounts  to  be  audited, 
10,19,  50,54,75,76,102, 
110,  152,  159,  174,  194, 
212.  225,  227,  251,   254, 
270,  292,  297. 
petition  of,  77,  89. 


Pork.    (See  Trade,  imports.) 
Porters.     (See  Tradesmen.) 
Portraits  (in  Faneuil  hall.) 

Gov.  Shirley's,  concerning,   260-1, 
264. 
Powder  and  ammunition,  39,  42,  43,  49,  78, 
83,  90,   92,    95, 
197. 
examination  of,  271. 
supply  town  with,  276. 
house,  77,  83,  290. 

(See  also  Common.) 
Printing,  advertising  in   the   prints,  25, 123, 
136,  140,  142,  179,  193, 
214,  232,  300-1. 
tickets,  55. 
notice  of  sale  of  laud,  etc.,  136,  237. 
of  street  refuse,  140. 
lease  of  lauds  (marsh)   at 
bottom  of  the  Common, 
179. 
act  "  to  prevent  disorders 

in  the  night,"  193. 
vote  concerning  taxes,  299. 
weighing  of  hay,  300-1. 
Property,  lost,  to  be  carried,  when  found,  to 

a  given  place,  73,  74. 
Province,  the.   (See  Massachusetts  Bay,  Col- 
ony of.) 
house,  264. 
tax,  11,  13,  100. 185, 186,  187. 

(See  also  Tax.) 
treasurer,  warrant  from,  203. 
Snow  (vessel),  56. 
(See  also  Ships,  vessels,  etc.) 
Provisions,  13,  99,  141,  142,  2S0,  316-17,  327- 
28. 
persons  bringing  to  town,  taxed, 
20. 
to  prevent,  incumbrance, 
209,  317,  328. 
exorbitant  price  of,  132, 135, 140, 

209,  213,  214. 
loan  to  purchase,  141. 
to  supply  Faneuil  market  with, 

153, 159,  317. 
apprisal  of  necessities  of  life,  214. 
subscriptions   to   regulate    price 
of,  214-15. 

(See  also  Trade,  imports.) 
clerk  of  the  market  forbidden  to 
buy    for  other  than  his  own 
family,  297,  317,327. 
unwholesome,  to  prevent  sale  of, 
316,  327. 
Providence,  239,  280. 
Pudding  lane,  88. 

Pullin  point.     (See  Chelsea,  Township  of.) 
Purchase  street,  48,  76. 

exchange  of  land  in,  46. 

Queen  street,  10,  258,  259,  261,  262. 

school  in,  10,  34,  65,  73,  94,  119, 
149,  162, 177, 178,  179, 180, 196, 
216, 234,  237, 259, 261, 274,275, 
290-1,  292,  307,  309. 
(See  also  Schools.) 

Rates,  collectors  of,  70.  77,  79,  117,  155,  160, 
169,172,177,  183,  191- 
2,193,197,210-11,218, 
220,  231,235,  244,  240, 
251,  207,271,273,286, 
287,  296,  298. 
choice  of,  20,  21,29,  fit, 
70,   71,  112,    114,  134, 
138,  153,  154,  160,  105- 
7,  8,  192,  204,  232,  243, 
249,  208. 
tax  payers  evade,  240. 
assessed  upon  sailors,  to  abate,  95, 112, 

138,  151,  193. 
unpaid,  list  of  persons  to  be  issued,  0, 
80,  33,  73. 


346 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Records  and  papers,  town,  186,  201. 

entered  on,  2,  3,  137, 142-3,  147, 169, 
191,202,  219,  222,  230,  247,  252,  264, 
270,  296. 
book  of,  11,182,211. 
book  of,  hay,  126. 
Registrar,  County,  choice  of,  79,  189,  284. 
Rents  and  incomes,  19,  197,  211,  212,  235,  251, 
258,  273,  291,  296. 
of  cellars  in  court-house,  186. 
quit-rents,  27,  31, 139, 140. 
Representatives,  58,  71,  74,  76,  93,  104, 115, 
117,119,123,127,140,148, 
149, 185,  18S,  194, 195, 196, 
203,206,216,241,255,256, 
258, 266,  273,  275, 278,  290, 
291,  308. 
petition  to,  79,  87. 
address  to  the,  12-14, 58-60, 
277-8. 
copy  to  each  mem- 
ber, 60,  278. 
house  of,  6,  38, 39, 43,  77,  79, 
84,  86,  98,  102, 
104,    180,    220, 
223,    238,    279, 
302. 
clerk  of  the,  265. 
speaker  of,  97. 
choice  of,  16,  17,  45,  72,  93, 
97-8,   115,   148,   153,   161, 
176,195,215,226,255,  266, 
272,  2S8-9,  304,  305. 
salary  of,  176,  195. 
Rhode  Island,  84,  239,  280,  282,  292,  305. 
distilleries,  221,  239,  2S0. 
trade  between,  and    Boston, 
greatly  decreased,  222,  239, 
280. 
Ridge  hill,  218. 

Riots,  concerning,  127, 129, 130. 
Roxbury,  99. 

Rum,  trade  in.     (See  Trade.) 
Rye.    (See  Breadstuffs.) 

Sailors.     (See  Ships,  vessels,  etc.) 
Salaries  allowed,  Thomas  Jackson,  4. 

Peleg  Wiswall,  8, 18, 134-5, 

178,  199,212,242,259,274, 

290,  307. 
Francis  Willoughby,  10,  31. 
Zachariah  Hicks,  116,  150, 

178,199,213,243,259,274, 

290,  307. 
John    Lovell,  18,    93,    134, 

164,  178, 199, 212,  242,  259, 

274,  307. 
Samuel  Gibson,  18,  86,174. 
Abia  Holbrook,  18,  65,  82, 

178,  199,   212,    243,    259, 
260,  274,  290,  307. 

Abijah    Adams,    120,   164, 

182,  201,  214,  260. 
Robert  Treat  Paine,  178. 
Samuel  Holyoke,  178,  199, 

212,  274,  290. 
Samuel  Holbrook,  178,  259. 
Hon.  Joseph    Wadworth, 

19,  52,  75,  101,  165,  183. 
John  Staniford,  35,  50,  75, 

101. 
John  Proctor,  jr.,  65,  150, 

179,  213,    259,  275,    291, 
307. 

John  Fenno,  82-3,  111,  137, 
159,  165,  169-70,  191,  211, 
230,  247,  270,  287,  296. 

Elias  Dupee,  193. 

Nathl.  Gardner,  199,  213, 
243,  259,  275,  291,  307. 

David  Jeffries,  201,  216, 
243,  260,  275,  291,  308. 

Thomas  Hancock,  241. 

Isaac  Dupee,  271,  297. 


Salaries  allowed,  John  Tileston,  298. 
John  Vinal,  307. 
(See  also  Representatives, 
Schools,  Sextons,   Fire- 
men, the  Watch,  etc.) 
Salem,  100,  240,  280,  281. 

fishing  interests  of,  12. 
distilleries,  221,  239. 
Scavengers,  314,  315. 

choice  of,  8,  35,  67,  80,  108,  109, 
140,   149,  157,  171-2,  209,  228, 
248,  269,  285,  295. 
School  street,  145,  146,  147,  163. 
Schools,  50,  147,  187-8,  197,  198,  199,  298. 

South  Grammar,  9,  34,  94,  119,  149, 
162,  177,  196,  199, 
208,210,  256,  276, 
292,  307,  309. 
master  of,  1, 17, 18, 
93,  134,  164,  199, 
208,  212,  242,  259, 
274,  290,  307. 
usher  of,  17,  18,  77, 
174,  178,  199,  213, 
243,  259,  275,  291, 
307. 
North  Grammar,  10,  34,  73,  94,  119, 
149,  162,  196,  216, 
276,  292,  309. 
master  of,  1,  8,  17, 
18,   134,  178,  199, 

212,  242,  259,  274, 
290,  307. 

usher  of,  1,  62,  65. 
writing,  45,  179,  ISO,  187,  196,  199, 
231 ,  233, 237, 243, 298,  307. 
North,  10,  34,  94,115,119, 

149,  162,  177,  196, 
216,  256,  276,  292, 
309. 

master  of,  1,  3,  4, 
115,  149,  178,  199, 

213,  243,  259,  274, 
290,  307. 

usher   of,   65,    116, 

150,  179,  213,  243, 
259,  275,  291,  307. 

South,  9,  17,  34,  94,  119, 
149,  102,  177,  178, 
199,  216,  256. 
addition  to,   233-4. 
master  of,  18,  62, 65, 
77,  212,  23j-1,  233, 
234,  260. 
usher  of,  199. 
in  Queen  street,  9,  34,  65, 
73,    94,    119, 
149,  162,  177, 
178,  179,  180, 
196,  216,  234, 
256. 
master  of,  178,  199, 
212,  237, 
259,  274, 
275,  290, 
307. 
resignation  of,  261. 
appointment  of  new, 
261. 
on  the  Common,  46.  51,  77, 
82,  94,  119,  149,  178,  233, 
243,  260,  274,  290,  307. 
visitation  of,  9,  27,  33,  34,  65,  66,  73, 
89,  93,   94,  119,  120, 
148,   161,    162,   176-7, 

195,  196,  215-16,  231, 
233,  243,  255,  256, 
275-6,  291,  292,308-9. 

statistics,  9-10,  34,  94, 
119,   149,   162,  176-7, 

196,  197-8,  216,  256, 
276,  292,  309. 

permit  to  keep,  desired,  26. 
free,  petition  to  keep,  50. 


Index  of  Places  and  Subjects. 


347 


Schools,  Latin  (school-house) ,  143,  144,  145, 
147. 
house  on  School  street,  163. 
hooks  for  the  poor  children,  162. 
ink,  to  supply,  231,  233,  234. 
south  Latin,  173. 

expense  to  town,  to  consider,  187-S. 
Sconce  street,  51. 

Seamen,  impressing  of,   action  of  governor 
and  council  in  granting  press  warrants, 
77,  79,  84.  87. 
Selectmen,  68,  69,  70,  71,  72,74,  76,  78,  86,  88, 
89,  90,  92,  93,  94,  98,  97,  98,  100, 
104,  106,  10S,  113,  114,  115,  118, 
119,  120,  123,  124,  125,  126,  132, 
136,  137,  138,  140,  141,  145,  146, 
147,  148,  149,  153,  156,  158,  159, 
161,  162,  173,  175,  176,  177,  181, 
186,  187, 191, 194, 195, 196, 197-8, 
199,  202,  203,  203,  211,  213,  215, 
216,  218,  224,  229, 230, 231-2, 234, 
235,  236,  237,  241,  251,  255,  256, 
259,  262,  263,  264,  265,  271,  272, 
273,  274,  275,  276,  278,  281,  282, 
287,  288,  290,  291,  292,  295,  298, 
299,  308,  309,  310,  311,  312,  316, 
318,  327. 
choice  of,  2,  27,  28,  63,  78,  131, 
154, 16S,  188,  205,  225,  236,  244, 
267,  2S2,  293. 
more  power  to  be  vested  in,  27. 
letter  from  the  governor  to,  121, 
122. 
Sextons  and  Bellringers,  petition  "of,  37,  38, 
53,  65. 

(See  also  Bells,  ringing  of.) 
allowance  to,  37. 
petition  of  grave-diggers,   45, 
53,  62,  64,  65. 
(See  also  Burial-places.) 
Sherburne,  C81. 

Sheriffs.     (See  Suffolk  County.) 
Ship  street,  276. 
Shipping.     (See  Ships,  etc.) 
Ships,  vessels,  etc.,  12,  53,  56,  99, 103, 122, 123, 
124,180,217,221,238. 
fire,  103. 
building,  13,  57,  59,  99,  221,  238,  239, 

280. 
seamen,  riotous,  127. 
prize  (French  privateer)  56. 
seamen,  grants  to  impress,    77,    79, 

84. 
privateers,  56,  84. 
merchant,  85,  99,    189.        (See  also 

Trade.) 
to  6ink,  in  the  harbor  as  protection, 

78,  91,  92,  10?. 
of  war,  91,92,  98-9, 127. 
seamen,  238. 

ta-Aes  of,  to  abate,  95, 112, 138. 
shipwrights,  238,  311,  322. 
twenty  forty-ton  vessels  to  be   em- 
ployed in  fishing  at  Pullin's  Point, 
236-7. 
Shipwrights,  etc.      (See  Ships,  vessels,  etc.) 

(Also  Tradesmen.) 
Shoemakers.     (See  Tradesmen.) 
Small-pox,  221,  238. 

(See  also  Disease,  infectious.) 
Snuff,  tax  on.     (,S7«Tax.) 
South  Carolina,  239,  280. 
South  end,  233,231,  237. 
market  at,  1. 
writing  school  at,  179. 
engine  at,  20. 
burial-places  at,  62,  137, 139,  262. 

overcrowded,  257. 
weighing  of  hay  at,  125,  126. 
lar;dat,  139,140. 
pond  at,  65. 
Spanish  "West  Indies,  57. 
Spring  lane,  101. 
tet.  Christopher's  (West  Indies),  24. 


Still  House  square,  37, 52,  274. 

not  accepted  as  a  public 
way,  274. 
Streets,  paving,  1,  9,  26,  36,  39,  52,  77,  90,  96, 
113,  164,  223,   250,   273,  274,  276, 
279,  300. 
alteration  in  Purchase  street   pro- 
posed, 46. 
tender  of  land  for,  37,  45,  46,  51,  52. 
refuse,  135,  140,  299,  303-4,  312,  314, 

315,  323,  325-26. 
repairs  of,  223. 

money  for,  voted,  202. 
widening,  250,  25S9,  261-2. 
encumbered,  305,  323. 
fast  driving  through,  313,  314,  324, 

325. 
to  be  kept  clean,  314,  325-26. 
by-law  concerning,  312-15,  323-26. 

(See  also  the  following  :) 
Anne,  Atkinson,  Beacon,  Bromfield's 
lane,  Cow  lane,  Dassett's  lane, 
Dock  square,  Ferryway,  Green 
lane,  Hanover,  Hawkins,  Horn 
alley,  King,  Long  lane,  Lynn, 
Middle,  Milk,  Moon  court,  Oliver's 
lane,  Orange,  Pleasant,  Pudding 
lane,  Purchase  (late  Harrison's 
ropewalk),  Queen,  School,  Sconce, 
Spring  lane,  Still-House  square, 
Sudbury,  Summer,  Treamount 
(Tremont),  Union,  Water,  Winter, 
Wood  lane. 
Success  (ship),  vote  of  thanks  to  commander 

of,  217,  219. 

Sudbury  street,  26,  37,  45,  52. 

Suffolk  County,  30,  68,  79,  85,  97,  106,  121, 

126,  185,  186,  189,  223,252, 

284,  292,  294,  298,319,  330. 

high  sheriff  of,  104, 105,  106, 

town  house  (1657)  used  by, 

188. 
sheriffs  of,  256. 
bridge  over  Neponset  river 
to  he  the  charge  of,  223. 
Sugar-houses.     (See  Trade.) 
Suits :  — 

vs.  James  Everill's  heirs,  23. 
vs.  Abraham  Francis  and  Francis  John 
Jones,   and  Hannah,  his  wife,  18,  22, 
23,  24,  25.  26, 42,  45,  47,  55,  56. 
vs.  Jacob  Wendell,  32. 
08.  Edward  Bromiield  et  al.,  163,  165-6. 
vs.  Isaac  Dupee  ct  al.,  252-3. 
VS.  Alexander  Hunt,  278. 
Andrew  Oliver  el  al.  vs.  Town  Assessors, 

263,297,303. 
John  Ludgate  et  al.  vs.  Town,  241. 
Summer  street,  51. 

Sureties,  bonds  to  be  given  as,  69,  71,  74,  89, 
133,  169,  173,  183,  202,   211,  231-2,  242, 
249,  271,  298. 
Swine,  regulating  of,  313. 

choice  of  hogreeves,  35,  67, 
109,132,  137,171,190,209, 
228,  247,  269,  285,  295. 
Swing  bridge,  139. 
(See  also  Bridge.) 

Tallow.     (See  Beef,  hides,  and  tallow.) 
(See  Trade,  imports.) 
chandlers.     (See  Tradesmen.) 
Tanners.     (See  Leather.) 
Tanyards,  09,  299. 

Tax,  Province,  11,  12,  185,  186,  187,  230. 
countv,  18"),  230. 
tea,  178,  180,  183,  184,  221,  241. 
poll,  13,  19,  50,  75,  101,  10  1,119,151,165, 

177,  197,  203,  210,  242,  258,  274,  307. 
estates,   10,  41,  46    4-t,  50,  75,  101,104, 
119,  151,  165,  177,  197,  203,  210,  242, 
253,  274,  307. 
on  coaches,  etc.,  22,  30,  178,  180,  181, 
183, 184. 


348 


City  Document  No.  170. 


Tax,  on  carts,  for  hay,  126. 

excise,  260,  265,  275,  277. 

china,  180,  183,  184,241. 

snuff,  ISO,  183,  184,  241. 

arrack,  180,  183,  184,  241. 

coffee,  178,  180,  1S3,  184,  221,  241. 

on  wines  anil  spirits  distilled,  260,  265, 
275,  277. 

limes,  lemons,  and  oranges,  265. 

on  wells,  cisterns,  etc.,  318,  329. 
Taxes,  11, 12,  13,  20,  40,44,  46,  48,  50,  57,  58, 
59,  61,  75,  84,  80,  90,  96,  99,  100,  104, 
151,  165,  174,  181,  197,  208,  211-12, 
216,  226,  230,  234,  238,  239-40,  242, 
243,  251,  254,  258,  273,275,277,280, 
281,  283,  28(5-7,  296,  302,  307,  308. 

collectors  of,  2, 9, 1 7, 19, 20, 21, 29, 33, 41, 
44,  48,  61,  62.  63,  64,  69,  70,  71,  72,  73, 
77,  79,  88,  89,  94,  112,  114,  117,  134, 
138,151,153,  154,  160,  106,169,  172, 
177,  183,  191, 192-3,  197,  204,  205,  210- 
11,  218,  226,  231,  232,  235,  243-4,  249, 
267,  271,  273,  287,  291,  296,  298. 

allowance,  21,  33,  89,  114,  138,  155-6, 
167-8,  172-3,  191-2,  210-11,  231,  271, 
272, 286-7,  298. 

books,  33,  40,  41,  42,  45,  46,  61,  62,  69, 
70,  89, 114,  138, 173, 191,  231,  249,  271, 
286,  287,  298. 

not  paid,  list  of  persons  to  he  issued, 
9,  30,  33. 

abatement  of,  117,  137-8,  151,  174,  177, 
183,  184,  193,  200,  201,  208,  211,  230, 
249,  251,  273,  287,  299,  302. 

names  and  amounts  assessed,  94. 

rates  of  sailors,  to  abate,  95,  112,  138, 
151. 

levied  at  Deer  Island,  237. 

of  perse ns  becoming  bankrupt,  249, 
271-2,  273,  287. 

tax-pay  era  evade  rates,  240. 

petition  of  Ebenezer  Berry,  45,  50. 
Tea,  tax  on.     (See  Tax.) 
Town,  houses  or  lands  belonging  to.     (See 
Lands.) 
House,  88. 

or  Court-house,  97. 

(built  1657),   consumed  by  fire 

(1711),  136. 
building  of,  203. 

criers.     (.See  Criers,  town.) 

dock.     (See  Dock,  the.) 

meetings,  1,  4,0,16,22,26,41,44,48,49, 
54,  55,  58,  5S,  72,  76,  87, 92, 96, 97, 102, 
106,  114,  115,  124,  126,  131,  143,  144, 
148,  152,  153,  160,  161,  166,  167,  168, 
176,  184,  187,  194,  202,  204,  215,  224, 
225,  236,  243,  244,  255,  260,  261,  263, 
264,  263,  267,  272,  278,  279,  282,  288, 
292,  304,  319. 

records.     (See  Records.) 

present  to,  of  arms,  68. 

supply  of  wood  for  the,  111,  122, 123, 152. 

to  protect,  103,  104. 

physicians,  198. 

granary.     (See  Granaries.) 

officers,  1,2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8, 18,  20,  26, 
27,  23,  23,  30,  34,  35,  39,  44,  43,  54,  62, 
63,  64,  06,  07,  63,  75,  77,  79,  80,  83,  84, 
85,  86,  87,  89,  100,  108,  107,  108,  109, 
110, 113, 114, 123, 124, 128, 131, 132,134, 
136,  137,  138,  139,  154,  156-8,  159-60, 
165,  166-3,  169,  170,  171-2,  187,  183, 
189,  190,  191,  192,  203,  204,  205,  206, 
207-8,  203-10,  211,  218,  224,  225-6, 
227-9,  230,  232,  235,  236,  243-8,  249, 
257,  260,  263,  287-70,  282,  283-7, 
292-5. 

committee  to  purchase  grain,  40,  137, 
157,  172,  190,  229,  248,  287,  296. 

purchase  of  grain  for,  11,  40,  68,  81, 
111,  137. 

sale  of  grain,  157,  172,  190,  209,  229, 
248,  270. 


Town,  deed  of  Wheeler's  Pond  to,  232. 

concerning  appropriations  for  (taxes, 
etc.),  la,  24,  27,  41,  43,  44,  46,  48,  50, 
69,  75,  90,  151,  177,  216,  237-8. 
sum  to  be  raised,   225-6,    232-3,  237, 

242. 
expenses  of,  to  reduce,  192,  197-8,  258. 
wharf.     (See  Wharves.) 
timber  for,  to  purchase,  78,  83. 
grant  to  purchase  ordnance,  etc.,  for, 

78,  83. 
to  be  supplied  with  powder,  276. 
losses  to,  by  sea,  100. 
purchase  of  cattle  for,  141. 
disturbance,  127. 
Townships,  law  for  regulating,  147. 
Trade,  condition  of,  12-14,  57,  84,  98-100,  ISO, 
181, 187,  221-22,  238-41,  280-1,  302. 
interests,  12,  59,  ISO,  264. 
commerce,  84,  180,  221,  238,  262,  281. 
manufactures,  221,  238,  239,  280. 
imports,  239,  280. 
in  rum,  221,  239. 
English  goods,  239. 

and  European,  221. 
butchers,  221-2,  239,  280-1. 
with  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island, 

222,  280. 
molasses,  238,  239,  280. 
sugar  and  sugar-houses,  238,  239,  280. 
foreign,  240. 
Tradesmen  — 

bakers,  280,  281. 
chandlers,  tallow,  280. 
coopers,  280,  281,  323. 
curriers,  281. 
hatters,  280. 
leather-dressers,  281. 
porters,  280. 
ropemakers,  281,  322. 
shipwrights,  281,  322. 
shoemakers,  281. 
stonecutters,  11. 
sugar-bakers,  281. 
tanners,  280-1. 
truckmen,  280. 
Training  field,  the.     (See  Common.) 
Treamount  (Tremont)  street,  204. 
Treasurer,  county,  231. 

choice  of,  30,  64,  68,  110, 
112,  134,  155,  169,  1S9, 
231,  246,  263,  283,  294. 
Trees,  preservation  of,  on  Common,  315,  326. 
Truckage  and  cartage,  2,  11, 126. 

town  order  about,  313- 

14,  325. 
truckmen.  (See 

Tradesmen. 
Turkey  Company.     (See  India,  East,   and 
Turkey  Company.) 

Union  street,  94. 

Vaults,  town  orders  concerning,  313,  324. 
Virginia,  239,  2S0. 
Votes,  fraudulent,  147-8. 

ballot-boxes,  212. 

laws  concerning',  27. 

Wards  or  Precincts,  299,  314. 
Watch  at  the  dock  (called  Merchants'),  46, 
51. 
at  dock  head,  10. 
men,  110,  111. 

pay  of,  117, 118. 
Water  Street,  113,  116,  118,  125,  136,  151, 104, 

163,  252,  299,  300. 
Watertown,  100,  2S0. 

distilleries,  221,  239. 
Ways,  surveyors  of,  8,  36,  67,  81,  109,  132, 

190,  229,  248,  270,  286,  295. 
Ways  — 

Green  lane,  paving,  1,  9. 
land  in,  9. 


Index  of  Places  and  Subjects. 


349 


Ways  — 

on  the  Neck,  2,  11. 

paving,  279. 
Dock  square,  land,  10. 
from  Sudbury  street,  26,  52. 
Winter  street,. paving,  26, 36,  39. 
land  at  South  battery,  encroachments, 

27,  31,  32. 
land  laid  out  from  Sudbury  to  Hawkins 

street,  37,  45,  52. 
Purchase  street,  alteration,  46,  51. 
from  Summer  to  Sconce  street  laid  out, 

51. 
Still-house  square,  paring,  52,  274. 
lower  end  of  milk  street,  paving,  77,  90, 

96. 
Pudding  lane,  to  straighten,  88. 
Atkinson  street,  petition  concerning,  112, 

113. 
Water  street,  nuisance,  to  remove,  113, 
299,  300. 
encroachments,    to    pros- 
ecute, 166. 
incumbrance,   to  remove, 

113. 
land    incorporated    into, 
164. 
near  Fort  hill,  to  improve,  139. 
at   Windmill   Point     encroachments  to 

prosecute,  143. 
Queen  street,  to  widen,  258,  259,  261,  262. 
Long  lane,  paving,  273,  276. 
near  Ship  street,  paving,  276. 
grant  of  land  to  King's  Chapel,  146. 
to  be  laid  out  between  burial-place  on 
Common,  and  land  owned  by  heirs  of 
Col.  Fitch,  152. 
Wood  lane,  paving,  177. 
Hudson's  Point,  encroachment  on,  196, 

202. 
Fort  hill,  encroachment,  200,  202. 
Dock  square,  incumbrances,  to  remove, 

214. 
bridges  and  highways,  causeways,  etc., 

223. 
Wheeler's  Pond,  near    and  about,  en- 
croachments, 234,  237. 
SVeekly  News  Letter,  letter  in,    from  the 

Governor  to  Sec.  Willard,  130. 
Weights,  measures,  etc.,  301,  317,  328. 

Weighing  of  hay,  8,  9,  101, 125,  300, 

317,  328. 
weigher  of,  choice  of,  125. 
sealer  of,  301. 
Wells,  cisterns,  etc.,  tax  on.    {See  Tax  on 

wells,  etc.) 
West  End,  ringing  of  bells  at,  138. 

{See  also  Bells,  ringing  of.) 
West  Indies,  12,  24. 
{See  also  Trade.) 
Wharves,  at  Windmill  Point,  to  build,  143. 
at   Dock   square,   proposition   to 

build,  10. 
on  town's  land,  to  build,  143. 
neglect  to  supply  sealers  of  wood 
at,  63. 


Wharves,  at  lower  end  of  King  street,  150. 

out- wharves,  to  remove  gap,  77, 88, 

101. 
town's,  125, 

at  South  battery,  92,  101. 
Long,  92, 103. 
Anstram's,  125. 
Cheever's,  103. 
Clark's,  103. 
Griffin's,  103. 
Hill's,  103. 
Hubbard's,  103. 
Jones',  103. 
Marion's,  103. 
Scarlet's  158. 
Welles'  103. 
Wendell's,  103. 
and  warehouses  ,  erected  on  land 

at  South  battery,  32. 
at  Scarlet's,  to    let  stalls    in  fish 

market,  158. 
wharfage,  dockage,  etc.,  309. 
Wheat.     {See  Breadstuffs.) 
Wheeler's  Pond,  17,  18,  62,  65,  232,  234,  237, 

242. 
Whipping,  at  House  of  Correction,  of  offend- 
ing slaves,  319,  329-30. 
Whitehall,  22. 

Windmill  point,  139,  142, 143,  152. 
Windward  Islands,  distilling  at,  12.     {See 

also  Trade.) 
Winnisimet  ferry,  200. 
Winter  street,  26,  36,  39. 
Wood,  transportation  of,  11, 123. 

purchase  of,  for  the  poor,  111. 
Wood   (building)    viewers  of,  6,  41,  68,  81, 
108,  133,  156, 
170-1,       191, 
210,  227,  246, 
257,  269,  285, 
294. 
old   wharf,  used  in  con- 
structing   battery,    re- 
moved, 42. 
to  be  purchased  for  town, 
78,  83. 
(cord),  13. 

to  prevent  fraud  in  measur- 
ing, 38,  45,  53. 
sealers  of,  53. 

purchase  of  111,  122, 123, 152. 
supply  from  the  east,  122, 123. 
(hoops)  fraud  in,  86. 
Wood  lane,  177. 
Worcester  County,  240,  281. 
Workhouse,  89, 150, 198. 

better  regulating  of,  151. 
accounts  of,  10,  50,  54,  75,  102, 
110,   152,   158,   174,  251,   273, 
291,  296. 
visitation  of,  150. 
punishments  in,  150. 
building  of  (1737),  250. 
{See  also  Almshouse.) 
Writing,  Instruction  in.     {See  Schools.) 
York,  240,  281. 


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